Tim Cook to Step Down as Apple CEO; John Ternus Appointed Successor
Apple has announced that Tim Cook will step down as Chief Executive Officer on September 1, 2026, after a 15-year tenure that saw the company’s market capitalization soar from $350 billion to $4 trillion. Cook, who succeeded Steve Jobs in 2011, will transition to the role of executive chairman. John Ternus, the current Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, will assume the CEO position and join Apple’s board of directors. Arthur Levinson, Apple’s non-executive chairman for the past 15 years, will become the lead independent director.
Cook’s leadership has been marked by significant achievements, including the expansion of Apple’s services division into a $100 billion annual business and the development of the wearables category, with the Apple Watch capturing approximately 25% of the global smartwatch market. Reflecting on his tenure, Cook stated, It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be the CEO of Apple. 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.
John Ternus, 51, has been with Apple for 25 years, joining the product design team in 2001. He has played a pivotal role in the development of key products such as the iPad, AirPods, iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch. Ternus has also been instrumental in Apple’s transition to proprietary Apple silicon and the introduction of the more affordable MacBook Neo. Emphasizing durability and repairability, he has led initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of Apple’s products through innovative materials and manufacturing techniques.
In his statement, Ternus expressed his commitment to Apple’s values: 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. 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.
As Apple navigates the evolving technology landscape, including advancements in artificial intelligence and mixed-reality platforms, Ternus’s leadership is anticipated to guide the company through its next chapter of innovation and growth.
