• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia
TechApple

What to Expect From Today’s Apple Shareholder Meeting

By
Don Reisinger
Don Reisinger
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Don Reisinger
Don Reisinger
Down Arrow Button Icon
February 26, 2016, 11:08 AM ET
Photograph by Joe Pugliese for Fortune

It’s been a busy February for Apple, and things won’t be slowing down on Friday.

The iPhone maker is slated to hold its Annual Shareholder Meeting on Friday at noon. The meeting, which will be held at Apple (AAPL) headquarters in Cupertino, will deliver many of the same items shareholders have come to expect from previous Apple events, including the re-election of directors to the board and choosing an auditor. But it’s what else is going on in the iPhone maker’s world that might be on shareholder minds.

Over the last two weeks, Apple has been battling with the FBI over whether it should provide software to the law enforcement agency to access the iPhone used by San Bernardino attacker Syed Farook. While Apple was ordered by a magistrate judge to provide that software, the company has not complied, and in an open letter, email to employees, and an interview with ABC News, Apple CEO Tim Cook has said he won’t budge. He claims that he’s working to protect the privacy of all Americans.

Get Data Sheet, Fortune’s technology newsletter.

FBI Director James Comey has sought to clarify his argument, saying that his agency isn’t seeking access to everyone’s phones, but rather a single iPhone. However, in a hearing with the House Intelligence Committee on Thursday, Comey acknowledged that finding the proper balance between privacy and security is difficult. He also acknowledged that his agency could seek access to iPhones in the future in the event a similar case arises.

Apple is expected to file its own motion with the court on Friday rejecting its request on the grounds of First Amendment rights, among other statues. Cook has said that he would be willing to fight the case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, but hopes that won’t be necessary and instead, that a commission will be formed between the private and public sector to find a suitable resolution.

According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) this week, Cook will be in attendance at the shareholders meeting. The docket currently does not say whether Cook will discuss Apple’s battle with the FBI, but it’s hard to believe he won’t at least bring it up in his remarks to shareholders.

Apple’s 2015 Shareholders Meeting in 31 Tweets

Cook spoke at last year’s shareholder meeting, but focused his time on Apple’s “unbelievable” 2014 and its many popular products.

While the business part of the Apple shareholder meeting lasted a grand total of 21 minutes last year, this year’s event may be a bit more contentious.

In its SEC filing, Apple recommended that shareholders vote for the standard fare, including re-electing directors to the board, including former Vice President of the U.S. Al Gore, and approving Apple’s 2014 employee stock plan. However, shareholders have added four other proposals to the docket that Apple says shareholders should vote against:

  • The first proposal requests that Apple submit a report to shareholders by June 30 explaining how it can “reach a net-zero greenhouse gas emission status” for both its own facilities and those of its suppliers by 2030. Apple argues it’s already working to make “the best products for the world.” The proposal, the company says, would require Apple to create a report that is “largely duplicative” to what it’s already done, and it would rather spend its time working on carbon emissions than issuing such a proposal.
  • Next up, a shareholder has requested Apple “increase the diversity of senior management and its board of directors.” In its response, Apple says that it’s already “promoting diversity’ within its operation. The company believes the proposal is “not necessary because Apple has demonstrated to shareholders its commitment to inclusion and diversity, which are core values for our company.”
  • Proposal 7 on the docket asks Apple to issue a report on how it would not do business in “high-risk regions” where “human rights violations” may be occurring, including Iran. Apple says the report wouldn’t be “a productive use of company resources,” adding that the iPhone maker has already shown its “commitment to protecting and promoting human rights.”
  • The final shareholder proposal requests Apple create a “proxy access bylaw” related to nominating board members. Apple asks shareholders to vote against the proposal because it has already “adopted proxy access for director nominations.” The company calls Proposal 8 “moot and unnecessary.”

For more on Apple, watch:

Despite those proposals potentially adding a bit more time to the meeting, don’t expect Apple’s event to last long. Last year’s meeting lasted a little over an hour before it was adjourned.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment on what Cook will discuss at this year’s meeting.

About the Author
By Don Reisinger
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Tech

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • Future 50
  • World’s Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Tech

These startups are racing to make AI safe for the Pentagon’s most closely guarded secrets
AIDefense
These startups are racing to make AI safe for the Pentagon’s most closely guarded secrets
By Erik GermanApril 11, 2026
16 hours ago
karp
Future of Workpalantir
Palantir CEO says AI ‘will destroy’ humanities jobs but there will be ‘more than enough jobs’ for people with vocational training
By Jacqueline MunisApril 11, 2026
17 hours ago
A Starbucks barista stands behind a cash register.
RetailFood and drink
Starbucks’ game plan to roll out AI chatbots at cafés could serve as a ‘litmus test’ for the industry, analyst says
By Sasha RogelbergApril 11, 2026
17 hours ago
The ‘Tuscan Mom’ aesthetic is taking over TikTok as Gen Z glamorize McMansions and reject millennial gray
Travel & LeisureGen Z
The ‘Tuscan Mom’ aesthetic is taking over TikTok as Gen Z glamorize McMansions and reject millennial gray
By Sydney LakeApril 11, 2026
17 hours ago
dalmation
AIHealth
Man’s best friend may soon live a little longer thanks to a new pill promising to extend your pup’s lifespan
By Catherina GioinoApril 11, 2026
19 hours ago
hunt
CommentaryMedia
OpenAI’s TBPN deal shows how talent, media, and influence are collapsing into one
By Jonathan HuntApril 11, 2026
19 hours ago

Most Popular

'This is the last warning.' Iran threatens U.S. warships after they throw down the gauntlet for winner-take-all Strait of Hormuz
Politics
'This is the last warning.' Iran threatens U.S. warships after they throw down the gauntlet for winner-take-all Strait of Hormuz
By Fortune EditorsApril 11, 2026
6 hours ago
The 'affordability economy' has created a housing market nobody predicted: Prices collapsing in the Sun Belt, soaring in the Rust Belt
Real Estate
The 'affordability economy' has created a housing market nobody predicted: Prices collapsing in the Sun Belt, soaring in the Rust Belt
By Fortune EditorsApril 11, 2026
20 hours ago
Palantir CEO says AI ‘will destroy’ humanities jobs but there will be ‘more than enough jobs’ for people with vocational training
Future of Work
Palantir CEO says AI ‘will destroy’ humanities jobs but there will be ‘more than enough jobs’ for people with vocational training
By Fortune EditorsApril 11, 2026
17 hours ago
Warren Buffett says 'accumulating great amounts of money' doesn’t achieve greatness—He still lives in a $31,500 Nebraska home and clipped coupons
Success
Warren Buffett says 'accumulating great amounts of money' doesn’t achieve greatness—He still lives in a $31,500 Nebraska home and clipped coupons
By Fortune EditorsApril 11, 2026
17 hours ago
Scottie Scheffler joined Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in golf's $100M club—and donated his entire Ryder Cup stipend to charity
Success
Scottie Scheffler joined Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in golf's $100M club—and donated his entire Ryder Cup stipend to charity
By Fortune EditorsApril 10, 2026
2 days ago
The Navy confirmed an ‘abundant amount’ of Uncrustables when the Artemis II crew lands. Smucker’s just offered them a lifetime supply
Politics
The Navy confirmed an ‘abundant amount’ of Uncrustables when the Artemis II crew lands. Smucker’s just offered them a lifetime supply
By Fortune EditorsApril 10, 2026
1 day ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.