Unlike any of Apple’s product announcements, I didn’t want this day to come. However, as Gruber says in his article, it was a well thought and planned transition.

How do you replace the irreplaceable man? Like we’re seeing. An open-ended medical leave, where he retains the CEO title. A continuation of strong new products, including a major improvement to the iPad, the device that is upending the entire computer industry. The ceding of day-to-day operations and leadership to Tim Cook, his right-hand man and chosen successor.