Apple CEO Tim Cook Steps Down, John Ternus Appointed New Leader
Apple has confirmed a major leadership transition, announcing that CEO Tim Cook will move into a new position as executive chairman. The change is scheduled to take effect on September 1.
Apple confirms Tim Cook will become executive chairman as John Ternus steps in as CEO on Sept. 1, marking a major leadership transition at the tech giant.
Stepping into the top role is John Ternus, currently Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering. As part of the shift, Ternus will also join the company’s board of directors.
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Despite leaving the CEO position, Cook will remain closely involved with Apple. The company stated that in his new capacity, he will contribute to select areas of the business, including engaging with policymakers worldwide. Meanwhile, Art Levinson, Apple’s current non-executive chairman, will take on the role of lead independent director.
Reflecting on his tenure, Cook described leading Apple as the greatest honor of his life. He expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to guide what he called an extraordinary organization, praising the team’s creativity, innovation, and commitment to improving customers’ lives through products and services.
Cook also voiced strong support for his successor, highlighting Ternus’ engineering mindset, innovative spirit, and leadership qualities. He emphasized that Ternus’ decades-long contributions to Apple make him the right choice to guide the company forward, adding that he looks forward to collaborating during the transition and beyond.
The leadership change could carry implications beyond the tech industry. Apple has become a significant force in entertainment through its Apple TV platform, investing heavily in original films and series. Under Cook, services—including Apple TV—have grown into a business exceeding $100 billion.
With Ternus coming from a hardware-focused background, future priorities may evolve, though the direction remains uncertain.
Levinson praised Cook’s tenure, noting that his leadership elevated Apple into what he described as the world’s leading company. He credited Cook with delivering groundbreaking products and embedding strong values throughout the organization, while expressing confidence in Ternus’ ability to lead the next chapter.
Ternus, in his remarks, said he is honored to take on the role of CEO. Having spent nearly his entire career at Apple, he acknowledged the influence of both Steve Jobs and Tim Cook. He reflected on his role in developing products that have reshaped how people connect and interact, and expressed optimism about the company’s future.
Cook originally became CEO in 2011, succeeding Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. During his tenure, Apple’s market value rose from $350 billion to $4 trillion, while revenue more than quadrupled.
