Tim Cook will transition from Apple CEO to executive chairman of the company’s board of directors, after leading the tech giant for 15 years. He will be replaced by Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering John Ternus, who has been with Apple since 2001.
Cook will continue to perform his duties as CEO throughout the summer to ensure a smooth transition effective September 1, 2026.
Cook’s legacy:
Steve Jobs named Cook CEO of Apple on August 24, 2011, shortly before his death. He has been leading the technology company for more than 15 years.
Cook is often credited with expanding Apple’s product line, including AirPods and Apple TV+, and also made a leap into new areas such as health, entertainment and wearables.
Under Cook’s leadership, the company grew from a market value of $350 billion in 2011 to more than $4 trillion in 2026.
He is also credited with forming a strong relationship with the Trump administration by announcing $600 billion in investments to expand Apple’s footprint in the US amid serious tariff threats.
Who is John Ternus?
Ternus’ appointment comes amid a wave of high-profile changes in Apple’s executive ranks, including the departure of its head of artificial intelligence, chief policy officer and one of the top design leaders.
He has worked at Apple for more than a quarter of a century and has risen through the ranks. He started on the product design team in 2001 and was named vice president of hardware engineering in 2013 and then senior vice president of hardware engineering in 2021.
In a press release about his appointment, Ternus said, “I am honored to take on this role and promise to lead with the values and vision that have come to define this special place for half a century.”
