Investor Ross Gerber isn't holding back on what he thinks Apple Inc. (AAPL) needs to do next: get new leadership and partner with Google on AI. It's a bold call, especially when you're suggesting one of the world's most valuable companies should essentially admit its voice assistant has been outpaced.

Time for Cook to Pass the Torch

Gerber took to X with a straightforward message: "Apple needs new leadership. Tim has been phenomenal for a long time but it's time for change." That's about as direct as you can get when you're saying the CEO who oversaw a roughly 1,500% share increase since 2011 should probably think about his exit strategy.

The investor clearly believes Apple needs fresh thinking to navigate today's fast-moving tech landscape, where AI dominance is becoming the new battleground.

Kill Siri, Ask Gemini

But Gerber didn't stop at the leadership critique. He went straight for Siri's throat: "Apple and Google working together is destiny. Kill Siri. Ask Gemini."

He's pushing for Apple to replace its struggling voice assistant with Google's Gemini AI. His inclusion of stock tickers $AAPL and $GOOG wasn't subtle either, highlighting that such a strategic partnership could have serious market implications for both companies.

Succession Planning Heats Up

Gerber's comments come as Apple has reportedly accelerated its leadership transition planning. Over the weekend, reports indicated the board and senior executives have intensified discussions about identifying Tim Cook's successor.

While nothing formal has been announced, insiders say the planning has become more active. John Ternus, senior vice president of hardware engineering, is widely viewed as the front-runner for the top job.

The company went through a management shake-up in July when Jeff Williams, Cook's longtime deputy, announced his retirement without an immediate replacement lined up. That left a notable gap in Apple's leadership structure at a critical moment.

Despite challenges including AI stumbles, an aging product lineup, and a 16% share drop that year, the board has continued backing Cook. But internally, there's growing recognition that change is necessary. Services chief Eddy Cue reportedly warned that Apple risks becoming the next BlackBerry or Nokia if it doesn't adapt to evolving technology trends.

That's the kind of warning that gets attention in the boardroom. Nobody wants to be the company that missed the next big shift.