Apple's Tim Cook - In his own words

Tim Cook kicked off this year’s D: All Things Digital conference on Tuesday. The Apple CEO was interviewed by conference hosts Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher, in a lively, engaging conversation. Here’s an edited roundup of the highlights.

It’s an absolute, incredible time to be with Apple. I’m loving every minute of it. For years Apple’s been focused on innovation. Never have I seen the things I can’t talk about today ... the juices are flowing. And we have some incredible things coming out. And of course the company, what we’re doing today, the company’s very healthy.

Steve (Jobs) was a genius and a visionary. And you know, I’ve never viewed my role as to replace him. I think he’s an irreplaceable person. Steve was an original. I don’t think there’s another one of those being made. I’ve never really felt the weight of trying to be Steve. It’s just not who I am. It’s not my goal in life. I am who I am, and I’m focused on that and being a great CEO of Apple.