TL;DR
Apple filed its proxy statement setting a virtual annual meeting for Feb. 24, 2026, with shareholders of record as of Jan. 2 eligible to attend, vote and ask questions. The filing asks investors to re-elect directors — including two over the company’s usual 75-year age guideline — and recommends votes on several governance items while opposing a shareholder audit proposal related to China.
What happened
Apple’s definitive proxy was filed announcing that its 2026 annual meeting of shareholders will be held virtually on February 24, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. PT. Shareholders listed on the company’s books as of January 2, 2026, may participate, submit questions and cast ballots. The meeting will include votes on the re-election of board members and several governance proposals. The board has waived its customary guideline that generally prevents directors from standing for re-election after age 75 so that Art Levinson (age 75) and Ron Sugar (age 77) may be nominated again; the filing cites their experience, insight into Apple’s operations and the value of leadership continuity as reasons for the exception. The proxy also outlines Apple’s recommendations to shareholders: support the director slate, ratify Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditor, approve an advisory vote on executive compensation and approve a stock plan for non-employee directors. Apple urges shareholders to oppose a proposed “China Entanglement Audit,” describing it as unnecessary and overly prescriptive.
Why it matters
- A waiver to the board’s age guideline signals the company prioritizes continuity in leadership roles on the board.
- Shareholders will decide on director re-elections that could shape oversight through potential executive transitions.
- Votes on auditor ratification, executive compensation and director equity plans affect corporate governance and oversight.
- The board’s opposition to the China audit proposal frames a dispute over how much detail Apple should provide about international operations and strategy.
Key facts
- Annual meeting set for February 24, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. PT and will be virtual.
- Shareholders of record as of January 2, 2026, are eligible to attend, ask questions and vote.
- Shareholders will vote on re-election of Apple’s board of directors.
- Apple waived its guideline that generally bars directors older than 75 from re-election for Art Levinson (75) and Ron Sugar (77).
- The board cited Levinson’s and Sugar’s experience, business insight and contributions, and the value of continuity in leadership.
- Proxy recommends shareholders support the director slate, ratify Ernst & Young LLP as auditor, approve advisory executive compensation vote and approve a non-employee director stock plan.
- Apple recommends voting against a shareholder proposal called the “China Entanglement Audit,” calling it unnecessary and overly prescriptive.
- Over the past four years the board added three new members and saw two long-serving members retire, per the filing.
What to watch next
- The vote results for the re-election of Art Levinson and Ron Sugar and whether shareholders endorse the board’s waiver.
- The outcome of the shareholder proposal requesting a China-related audit and whether investors accept Apple’s arguments to oppose it.
- Whether any disclosure in the proxy or meeting discussion sheds light on succession timing for executive leadership: not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Proxy statement: A document that public companies send to shareholders describing matters to be decided at an annual meeting and soliciting votes.
- Record date: The cutoff date established by a company to determine which shareholders are eligible to vote at a meeting.
- Advisory vote on executive compensation: A non-binding shareholder vote that expresses approval or disapproval of a company’s executive pay practices.
- Ratification of auditor: A shareholder vote to confirm the company’s choice of an independent accounting firm to audit financial statements.
Reader FAQ
When and how will Apple’s annual meeting be held?
The meeting is scheduled to be held virtually on February 24, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. PT.
Who can attend and vote at the meeting?
Shareholders of record as of January 2, 2026, are eligible to participate, ask questions and vote.
Why are Art Levinson and Ron Sugar standing for re-election despite Apple’s age guideline?
The board waived its typical age limit for them, citing their experience, deep knowledge of the company and the benefits of leadership continuity.
Is Tim Cook’s retirement or chairman succession confirmed in this filing?
not confirmed in the source
What is Apple’s position on the China Entanglement Audit proposal?
Apple recommends voting against the proposal, saying it is unnecessary given existing disclosures and is overly prescriptive.
Apple confirms Chase takeover for Apple Card and reveals new details Chance Miller Jan 7 2026 AAPL COMPANY Apple announces annual shareholders meeting for next month Chance Miller | Jan 8…
Sources
- Apple announces annual shareholders meeting for next month
- Form DEF 14A Apple Inc. For: Feb 24
- Apple Inc.- DEF14A
- Investor Relations – Apple
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