The new boss of Apple has admitted he is “not Steve Jobs” but told how he was inspired by his originality.
Tim Cook also refused to answer speculation that the firm is building a TV which is expected to be announced before Christmas.
Speaking for the first time about the death of the firm’s co-founder, Mr Cook described what it was like working with him.
He revealed that Mr Jobs was notorious for changing his mind, claiming “he would flip on something so fast that you would forget that he was taking the 180 position the day before”.
Speaking at the AllThingsD conference in California, Mr Cook said: “I learned a lot from Steve. It was one of the saddest days of my life when he passed away. As much as you should see or predict that, I really didn’t.”
Mr Cook, who became CEO in August while Mr Jobs was still alive, admitted he had to be told to get over his grief.
“At some point late last year, someone shook me and said, it’s time to get on,” he said, adding: “So that sadness was replaced with this determination.
“Steve was a visionary. My role was never to replace him. He was an original.”
The Apple boss also revealed that the key lesson Mr Jobs had taught him was to focus. “What did I learn from him? I learned that focus is key — in a company and your personal life. You can only do so many things great, and you should cast aside the rest.”
On the rumours of an Apple TV set, he said: “I would say most people would say this is not an area in their life that they’re pleased with. We’re going to keep looking at it.”
Speculation about the product mounted this week admit claims a Chinese factory has received the first order and is producing the initial models.
The TV is rumoured to have voice control, and was one of the last major projects Mr Jobs worked on.
