Apple CEO Tim Cook has indicated that the company may need to adjust its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs as legal challenges to such initiatives continue to evolve in the United States. His comments came shortly after a majority of shareholders rejected a proposal urging Apple to reconsider its DEI policies, including the consideration of race and gender in hiring decisions.
Apple had actively opposed the proposal, arguing that it inappropriately sought to “micromanage” the company’s operations. The rejection was widely expected, as shareholder initiatives that go against company recommendations rarely succeed. The vote marked the second major shareholder defeat targeting DEI policies, following a similar outcome at Costco.
Despite the vote, Cook acknowledged that Apple might need to adjust its approach. “As the legal landscape around this issue evolves, we may need to make some changes to comply, but our north star of dignity and respect for everyone and our work to that end will never waver,” he said during Apple’s annual shareholder meeting. Cook emphasized that Apple does not use hiring quotas—a practice that has drawn sharp criticism—but instead values diverse perspectives as a key strength of its workforce. “We’ll continue to create a culture of belonging where everyone can do their best work,” he added, reaffirming Apple’s commitment to its core values.
The proposal targeting Apple’s DEI policies was backed by the National Center for Public Policy Research, a conservative think tank that had also led the similar initiative at Costco. The group argued that Apple’s DEI programs exposed the company to significant legal, reputational, and financial risks. It cited recent lawsuits that have made it easier for employees to sue over alleged discrimination and warned that such legal challenges could cost Apple billions.
The debate comes as former U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the elimination of DEI programs in both government and the private sector. While Trump’s executive actions have faced legal obstacles, many major corporations—including Meta, Amazon, and Goldman Sachs—have already scaled back their DEI initiatives due to legal concerns.
At the shareholder meeting, Apple investors also rejected proposals that would have required the company to report on its AI privacy practices, charitable contributions, and efforts to combat child exploitation. However, shareholders approved Apple’s proposed board members and backed executive compensation plans, including a $74 million pay package for Cook.
As legal scrutiny intensifies, Apple’s stance on DEI will likely continue to be a topic of debate. While the company remains committed to diversity, it may face increasing pressure to adapt its policies to align with shifting regulations and legal challenges.
