Tim Cook vs Steve Jobs: Whose Apple Is Better?

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Tim Cook is very different than Steve Jobs was as CEO of one of the most recognized brands in the world, and in case that wasn’t obvious already, a new report details the managerial changes Apple employees have witnessed since Jobs stepped down.

The fact that Tim Cook has a different style is of no surprise really. Just look at Apple’s latest product launch and compare it to Jobs’ June WWDC keynote. They bring to the table two unique personalities, they are two different people that will run Apple differently when alone, but who would work so much better in a team. History proves it.

But it’s Cook’s job to lead Apple into the future, and the Wall Street Journal already has some insights of the way he’s been acting as CEO. What’s clear is that, unlike Jobs, Cook is not a product guy. His name is less likely to appear on hundreds of patents, but he is certainly surrounded by very smart and very gifted people that will be in charge of designing the new Apple product lines. And then there’s Jobs’ rumored product heritage that should still help inspire current Apple employees.

Cook really shines when it comes to organizing Apple’s operations and selling its products like hot cakes. He is seen as a “supply chain whiz fluent in sales charts and forecasts,” but also as a “disciplined manager and a contrast to Mr. Jobs, who had little patience for management matters.”

So what did Cook change so far? He initiated a new charitable company for Apple, promising the company will match up to $10,000 per year per employee in donations to non-profits. He has also started to interact more with the Apple Team than his predecessor by sending plenty of email updates since he took office.

Cook is also responsible for restructuring Apple’s education division, which he split into a marketing and sales arm and integrated it into their corresponding company-wide divisions. As a result Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide product marketing Phil Shiller and vice president John Brandon got more responsibilities while Apple’s education head John Couch now reports to Shiller instead of Cook.

On top of that, Apple’s CEO also promoted Eddy Cue to senior vice president of Internet software, with these changes expected to help Apple streamline some of its current operations.

When it comes to shareholders, Cook appears to be more interested in meeting them regularly but he’s yet to change the company’s policy of not issuing stock buybacks or paying dividends. Although he’s more open than Jobs was to this possibility according to recent statements.

Time will tell whether Cook’s Apple will be better than Jobs’ Apple, although such a comparison may never be accurate. After all, the first wouldn’t have his chance to run Apple if it wasn’t for the latter’s dedication to the company.