93-year-old Buffett arrived at Berkshire meeting wearing a sweater:Praised Apple CEO Tim Cook; Greg Abel led the meeting for the first time

Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholders meeting was held on 1 May, 2026. The company’s new CEO Greg Abel led the meeting for the first time. 93-year-old Warren Buffett, who usually appears in a suit, was seen sitting in the first row wearing a sweater this time. Buffett, appearing in retirement mode, narrated the story of his investment in Apple and CEO Tim Cook’s success at the meeting. Buffett said that Tim Cook replaced a legend like Steve Jobs and proved himself. Although Buffett has distanced himself from management, his words about major investments like Apple boosted investor confidence. Apple still holds the largest stake in Berkshire’s portfolio today. Took a $35 billion gamble 10 years ago Buffett reminded the meeting that about a decade ago, Berkshire took a big bet on Apple. At that time, the company invested approximately 10% of its total resources, i.e., $35 billion (around 2.91 lakh crore rupees) in Apple shares. Buffett said, ‘Back then, the average American investor didn’t even know Tim Cook properly. We had placed such a large amount in the hands of a person who had taken charge after a legend (Steve Jobs).’ Berkshire gained more than 5 times from Apple investment Buffett revealed that the investment in Apple has proved to be a jackpot for Berkshire. That initial investment of $35 billion has now grown to $185 billion (approximately ₹15.42 lakh crore). This includes both dividends and increased share prices. In his humorous style, Buffett said, ‘I didn’t have to work a penny to make this much money. We at Berkshire are quite skilled at getting others to work and collecting money.’ Buffett said – Tim Cook stand up and accept the applause During the meeting, Buffett asked Tim Cook, who was sitting among the audience, to stand up. He asked the shareholders to thank Tim Cook. Buffett said, ‘After Steve Jobs left, everyone was questioning who would handle Apple? After Steve’s death, Tim took responsibility. Taking the place of a stalwart like Steve Jobs and surpassing his records is one of the miracles of American business management.’ Tim Cook will leave his position in September This meeting was also important because Tim Cook is going to leave the position of Apple’s top executive this September. John Ternus will take over the reins of the company in his place. Buffett described Tim Cook’s tenure as the most brilliant period in Apple’s history. He recalled how Apple started from a garage, Steve Jobs was ousted from the company, then his return happened and products like the iPhone came. But it was Tim Cook’s capability to maintain the company at that height after Jobs. First Meeting Under Greg Abel’s Leadership This year’s meeting was also special because it was the first time Greg Abel was taking the stage as CEO. Although Buffett has distanced himself from management, his words on major investments like Apple boosted investor confidence. Apple still holds the largest stake in Berkshire’s portfolio today.