Apple Inc. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook, who yesterday toldinvestors they would get more say in picking board members,signaled greater willingness than his predecessor to heed theconcerns of his company's shareholders.

Apple said at its annual shareholder meeting that it would adopta policy that says a majority — rather than only a plurality — ofshareholders is needed to elect directors. Cook also reiteratedthat the company is exploring how to use its $97.6 billion in cashin investments, responding to investors' criticism that its balancesheet holds too big a hoard.

The shifts, following last month's decision to open supplierfactories to inspections by an independent labor organization, mayindicate a new era in Apple's interaction with investors. AnneSimpson, head of corporate governance for the California PublicEmployees' Retirement System, said the changes are befitting of theworld's most valuable company.