Apple’s new CEO, and why Elon Musk wants to buy Cursor for $60B
A new era is on the way for Apple as Tim Cook plans to step down from his CEO role in September, handing the reins to hardware chief John Ternus. Ternus may be inheriting one of the most durable businesses in tech, but he’s also stepping into a very different ecosystem than the one Cook spent decades shaping. The App […]
A new era is on the way for Apple as Tim Cook plans to step down from his CEO role in September, handing the reins to hardware chief John Ternus .
Ternus may be inheriting one of the most durable businesses in tech, but he’s also stepping into a very different ecosystem than the one Cook spent decades shaping. The App Store’s 30% cut is under pressure, the behind-the-scenes power Apple once held over developers is being challenged, and vibe-coded apps are changing what it means to build on Apple’s platform .
On this episode of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, hosts Kirsten Korosec, Anthony Ha, and Sean O’Kane dig into what this transition means for startups and a closer look at some of the week’s biggest deals — including SpaceX’s $60B option on Cursor.
Listen to the full episode to hear about:
Why Anthropic’s Mythos model is raising questions about both safety and marketing
The $5 billion Amazon-Anthropic deal that looks a lot like other circular AI infrastructure plays
What the SpaceX-Cursor agreement (and that $10 billion breakup fee) says about Elon Musk’s AI strategy post-xAI merger
Why fintech Revolut and AI chip startup Cerebras ‘ public market plans have us wondering whether this is actually the year the IPO market reopens
Subscribe to Equity on YouTube , Apple Podcasts , Overcast , Spotify and all the casts. You also can follow Equity on X and Threads , at @EquityPod.
Theresa Loconsolo is an audio producer at TechCrunch focusing on Equity, the network’s flagship podcast. Before joining TechCrunch in 2022, she was one of 2 producers at a four-station conglomerate where she wrote, recorded, voiced and edited content, and engineered live performances and interviews from guests like lovelytheband. Theresa is based in New Jersey and holds a bachelors degree in Communication from Monmouth University. You can contact or verify outreach from Theresa by emailing theresa.loconsolo@techcrunch.com .
You can contact or verify outreach from Theresa by emailing theresa.loconsolo@techcrunch.com .
You can contact or verify outreach from Theresa by emailing theresa.loconsolo@techcrunch.com .
Anthony Ha is TechCrunch’s weekend editor. Previously, he worked as a tech reporter at Adweek, a senior editor at VentureBeat, a local government reporter at the Hollister Free Lance, and vice president of content at a VC firm. He lives in New York City.
You can contact or verify outreach from Anthony by emailing anthony.ha@techcrunch.com .
Sean O’Kane is a reporter who has spent a decade covering the rapidly-evolving business and technology of the transportation industry, including Tesla and the many startups chasing Elon Musk. Most recently, he was a reporter at Bloomberg News where he helped break stories about some of the most notorious EV SPAC flops. He previously worked at The Verge, where he also covered consumer technology, hosted many short- and long-form videos, performed product and editorial photography, and once nearly passed out in a Red Bull Air Race plane.
You can contact or verify outreach from Sean by emailing sean.okane@techcrunch.com or via encrypted message at okane.01 on Signal.
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Key takeaways
- The leadership transition at Apple may directly impact Brazilian startups relying on the App Store.
- Elon Musk's proposal to acquire Cursor could inspire investments in AI in Brazil.
- Movements in the IPO market may signal new opportunities for Brazilian startups.
Editorial analysis
The leadership transition at Apple, with John Ternus stepping into the CEO role, marks a crucial moment not only for the company but for the entire tech ecosystem. Ternus enters a landscape where pressure on the App Store and the need to adapt to new developer and consumer demands are more evident than ever. This could directly impact Brazilian startups that rely on Apple's platform, as changes in monetization policies may alter the viability of their business models.
Moreover, Elon Musk's proposal to acquire Cursor for $60 billion reflects an aggressive strategy in a rapidly evolving AI market. For Brazil, where the adoption of AI technologies is still growing, this move could inspire local investments and the formation of strategic partnerships. The presence of giants like Musk may elevate the level of competition and innovation, forcing Brazilian companies to adapt and invest more in research and development.
The IPO landscape also deserves attention. With Revolut and Cerebras preparing to go public, this may signal a renaissance in the stock market for tech startups. For Brazil, where the IPO environment is still considered volatile, observing these movements could provide insights into how local companies can position themselves to attract investors and capitalize on the growing demand for tech solutions. What we see is an increasing interconnection between the decisions of major global players and the future of Brazilian startups, which must stay alert to these changes to remain competitive.
What this coverage includes
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- Editorial framing about relevance, impact, and likely next developments.
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Original source:
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