A New Era at Apple: Tim Cook Steps Down, John Ternus to Become CEO

Tech giant Apple has officially announced a long-anticipated leadership transition. After serving as CEO for 15 years, Tim Cook will step down on September 1, 2026, moving into an executive chairman role. He will be succeeded by John Ternus, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering.

A smooth and structured transition

The decision, approved unanimously by Apple’s board, ensures a gradual handover. Cook will remain in his role throughout the summer, working closely with Ternus to ensure continuity. In his new position, Cook will focus on global relations, policy matters, and long-term strategic initiatives.

Cook described leading Apple as the greatest privilege of his life and expressed full confidence in Ternus’s ability to guide the company forward.

An insider with deep roots at Apple

John Ternus has spent nearly his entire career at Apple. Reflecting on his journey, he highlighted the opportunity to work alongside both Steve Jobs and Tim Cook as a defining experience.

Since joining Apple in 2001, Ternus has played a key role in developing major products including the iPhone, Mac, and iPad. More recently, he has led efforts in design innovation, durability, and sustainability.

The Cook era: Growth and transformation

Under Tim Cook’s leadership, Apple experienced unprecedented growth. The company’s market value surged from around $350 billion to nearly $4 trillion, while revenues expanded dramatically.

This era also saw the launch of new product categories such as Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple Vision Pro. Additionally, services like iCloud and Apple Pay became major pillars of the business.

What lies ahead?

Apple’s decision to appoint an internal leader signals a commitment to continuity and long-term vision. With Ternus’s strong engineering background, the company may place even greater emphasis on hardware innovation in the years to come.