Tim Cook Steps Down as Apple CEO, John Ternus Set to Take Over

Tim Cook is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer of Apple after 15 years at the helm, with John Ternus, the company’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, set to take over as CEO effective September 1, 2026.

Cook will transition into the role of Executive Chairman of Apple’s Board of Directors following the leadership change.

The transition was unanimously approved by the company’s board after what Apple described as a long-term and carefully planned succession process.

Cook will continue serving as CEO through the summer months while working closely with Ternus to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities.

Tim Cook Reflects on His Time as CEO

During the announcement, Cook expressed deep gratitude for his time leading Apple and praised the team behind the company’s global success.

“It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be the CEO of Apple and to have been trusted to lead such an extraordinary company.”

“I love Apple with all of my being, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with a team of such ingenious, innovative, creative, and deeply caring people who have been unwavering in their dedication to enriching the lives of our customers and creating the best products and services in the world,” said Cook.

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Cook also voiced strong confidence in his successor.

“John Ternus has the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and with honor. He is a visionary whose contributions to Apple over 25 years are already too numerous to count, and he is without question the right person to lead Apple into the future.”

“I could not be more confident in his abilities and his character, and I look forward to working closely with him on this transition and in my new role as executive chairman.”

Cook, who joined Apple in 1998 and became CEO in 2011 following the death of Steve Jobs, oversaw a period of massive growth that saw Apple expand into new product categories and services.

During his leadership, the company launched major innovations such as the Apple Watch, AirPods, Apple Pay, and iCloud, while growing its services division into a business worth over $100 billion.

John Ternus Expresses Gratitude for Opportunity

Incoming CEO John Ternus described the appointment as both an honor and a responsibility, reflecting on his long career at Apple.

“I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple’s mission forward,” said Ternus.

“Having spent almost my entire career at Apple, I have been lucky to have worked under Steve Jobs and to have had Tim Cook as my mentor.”

He also emphasized optimism about the company’s future.

“It has been a privilege to help shape the products and experiences that have changed so much of how we interact with the world and with one another. I am filled with optimism about what we can achieve in the years to come, and I am so happy to know that the most talented people on earth are here at Apple, determined to be part of something bigger than any one of us.”

“I am humbled to step into this role, and I promise to lead with the values and vision that have come to define this special place for half a century.”

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Ternus joined Apple in 2001 and has led hardware teams responsible for major products including the iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, and AirPods.

He played a significant role in reviving Mac sales and leading hardware innovation across Apple’s ecosystem.

Executive Changes Accompany Leadership Transition

Alongside Ternus’ promotion, Apple also announced additional leadership shifts aimed at maintaining continuity across its hardware operations.

Johny Srouji has been named Chief Hardware Officer, while longtime deputy Tom Marieb will take over hardware engineering responsibilities previously held by Ternus.

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Tim Cook and John Ternus at Apple Park
PHOTO/Apple