Airpods were many years ago, as was the MacBook pro redesign.

CEOs are judged on today. Past achievements are past achievements and he was paid handsomely for it.

Tim Cook is a money guy. Saving money by reducing per device licensing costs via creating own chips and also now their own modems is a money guys domain.

Hardware and software innovation is another skill.

Tim Cook wasn't appointed on his ability to innovate. But he needs to ensure he has individuals who can do so, and that there aren't layers of management or himself obstructing them.