Tim Cook Reveals How Apple Watch’s Fall Detection Saved His Father’s Life
Apple CEO Tim Cook has revealed that once Apple Watch saved his father’s life. In a rare interview, Cook recently opened up about his personal life, daily routine, breakfast preferences, morning habits, favorite wine, and go-to restaurant. The interview, featured on the Table Manners podcast with Jessie and Lennie Ware, though it was recorded during Cook’s visit to the UK in December 2024.
Cook revealed that the Apple Watch’s fall detection feature alerted emergency services when his father fell at home and didn’t respond, leading them to break down the door and find him unconscious.
Last week we responded to an automated Apple Watch fall detection alert after a driver that was involved in a collision had been knocked unconscious.
The alarm provided emergency responders with GPS data to quickly locate the scene.
⌚️🛰 > 🚓🚑🚒@Apple @tim_cook pic.twitter.com/cmTW6K2na0
— Roads Policing – Surrey Police – UK (@SurreyRoadCops) November 4, 2019
When asked if his father was proud of him after the health emergency, Cook replied, “No, he was more focused on the door… He was upset that they kicked down my door!”
During his December visit to London, Cook reflected on his upbringing, which instilled a strong work ethic. He recalled starting work at 11 with a paper route and flipping burgers at 14 for $1.10 an hour. These early experiences continue to motivate him, including his routine of waking up before 5 a.m. to begin his day.
Hope you are ok 🙌 It’s such an amazing feature so everyone please make sure you’ve turned it on. Go to Watch app on your iPhone and select “Emergency SOS” to see if “Fall Detection” is turned on. In my case it wasn’t. 🆘⌚️ pic.twitter.com/sCRUnpZUjF
— Gregor Pichler (@iPGregor) January 10, 2020
Cook uses the quiet early hours to answer emails, which he finds to be the most controllable part of his day. Cook reflected on how the pandemic transformed work culture, emphasizing the importance of both remote work and in-person collaboration. Apple now requires most employees to work in the office three days a week, while Cook attends four days. He acknowledged that an empty office can sometimes feel “depressing.”
He further revealed that he enjoys Chardonnay, dark chocolate, hiking, and frequently visits national parks—recently going caving in Slovenia. His favorite meals include fish, cashew cereal, and dining at Ethel’s Fancy in Palo Alto. While hinting at future Apple projects, Cook revealed that his ideal last meal would consist of hamachi crudo, branzino, broccolini, and a chocolate dessert.
