The transition toward artificial intelligence could jeopardize Apple's climate ambitions before the CEO steps down. According to Apple's annual sustainability report, the company emitted 15.3 million tons of carbon dioxide in 2025, equivalent to the output of 40 gas power plants. This volume of emissions represents a significant increase compared to the past, as the exponential growth of artificial intelligence requires enormous amounts of energy for the operation of models.

During Cook's tenure, Apple guided the company toward a more sustainable direction, maintaining its carbon footprint stable while tech competitors saw their emission flows rise. Cook's strategy focused on reducing plastic and improving energy efficiency, but the race for AI created a new pressure not anticipated in the original emission reduction plans. The company stated that under Cook's leadership, the company maintained a constant carbon footprint, a positive result in a sector that is rapidly deteriorating.

However, accusations of environmental deception remain valid, as the company often underestimated the real impact of its products compared to the promises made to consumers. According to the company, the environmental problems faced under Cook could become even more severe with the explosion of generative AI, which requires unprecedented energy resources. The transition toward AI was not prepared to manage the demand for electricity necessary for new processing models, creating a structural vulnerability for long-term sustainability.

The transition toward AI was not prepared to manage the demand for electricity necessary for new processing models, creating a structural vulnerability for long-term sustainability. The company stated that under Cook's leadership, the company maintained a constant carbon footprint, a positive result in a sector that is rapidly deteriorating. The end of Cook opens the door to a new phase of evaluation, where future choices will depend on how the company manages the transition toward AI.

If Apple cannot balance technological growth with emission reduction, its positive record could be irreversibly compromised before the CEO steps down.