Tim Cook says he owns cryptocurrency and he’s been ‘interested in it for a while’ – CNBC

Apple CEO Tim Cook

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Apple CEO Tim Cook said he personally owns cryptocurrency after he was asked at The New York Times DealBook conference if he owns bitcoin or ethereum.

"I do. I think it's reasonable to own it as part of a diversified portfolio," Cook told Andrew Ross Sorkin in an interview that aired Tuesday. "I'm not giving anyone investment advice by the way."

Cook said that he had been interested in cryptocurrency "for a while" and that he had been researching the topic.

However, Cook said that his interest was from a "personal point of view" and dismissed suggestions that Apple might take cryptocurrency in exchange for products as tender.

Cook also rejected the possibility of Apple buying cryptocurrency with corporate funds as an investment.

"I wouldn't go invest in crypto, not because I wouldn't invest my own money, but because I don't think people buy Apple stock to get exposure to crypto," he said.

In August, Cook received 5 million shares of Apple stock worth $750 million at the time. He will get additional grants of Apple stock through 2026, of which the number of shares of depends on Apple stock performance. He has said he plans to donate his entire fortune to charity.

Bitcoin and ether hit all-time highs Tuesday morning.

Apple doesn't currently have any cryptocurrency products or services. It does allow crypto wallet apps on its iPhone App Store, but it also prohibits mining apps.

Apple has released financial services through its Wallet app, which includes contactless Apple Pay, peer-to-peer payments and the Apple Card credit card.

If Apple does introduce cryptocurrency products or services, they are many years away. An Apple Pay executive said in 2019 that the company saw "long-term potential" in cryptocurrency.

Cook said Tuesday that while Apple was looking at cryptocurrency technology, it's "not something we have immediate plans to do."

Correction: Apple CEO Tim Cook spoke with Andrew Ross Sorkin in an interview that aired Tuesday. An earlier version mischaracterized the timing.

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Tim Cook says he owns cryptocurrency and he's been 'interested in it for a while' - CNBC