Apple has officially announced a major leadership change that will reshape the company’s top management. Tim Cook will step down from his position as Chief Executive Officer on September 1, 2026, and John Ternus, the current Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, will become the new CEO. Cook will then take on the role of Executive Chairman of Apple’s board of directors.
This transition ends nearly 15 years of Cook’s leadership as CEO, a period where Apple grew from a $350 billion company to a $4 trillion giant. The decision follows a long-term succession planning process and received unanimous approval from Apple’s Board of Directors.
John Ternus Named Apple’s Third CEO in Company History
John Ternus will become only the third CEO in Apple’s history, following Steve Jobs and Tim Cook. Ternus, who is 50 years old, joined Apple back in 2001 as a member of the product design team. He became a vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2013 and joined the executive team in 2021 as Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering.
During his 25 years at Apple, Ternus has played a key role in developing many of the company’s most important products. He helped create new product lines like the iPad and AirPods, and worked on many generations of iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch. He also led the important shift of Mac computers from Intel chips to Apple’s own custom silicon.
Ternus will join Apple’s board of directors on September 1, 2026, the same day he becomes CEO. Arthur Levinson, who has served as Apple’s non-executive chairman for 15 years, will become the lead independent director.
Tim Cook’s New Role as Executive Chairman
After stepping down as CEO, Tim Cook, now 65 years old, will continue to work closely with Apple as Executive Chairman. In this position, he will help with certain aspects of the company, including working with policymakers around the world.
Cook shared his thoughts about the transition in an open letter to the Apple community. He wrote:
“Today, we announced that I’m taking the next step in my journey at Apple. Over the coming months I will be transitioning into a new role, leaving the CEO job behind in September and becoming Apple’s executive chairman. A new person will be stepping into what I know in my heart is the best job in the world. That leader is John Ternus, a brilliant engineer and thinker who has spent the past 25 years building the Apple products our users love so much.”
Cook also expressed deep gratitude for his time as CEO. He mentioned that reading emails from Apple users around the world each morning showed him how the company’s products touched people’s lives in meaningful ways.
What John Ternus Brings to Apple’s Top Job
John Ternus is known for being a hands-on engineering leader with strong attention to detail. People who have worked with him describe him as calm, direct, and technically skilled. He studied mechanical engineering at the University of Pennsylvania and worked as an engineer at Virtual Research Systems before joining Apple.
One story that shows his perfectionist nature involves the Apple Cinema Display. During a speech at his college graduation, Ternus recalled arguing with a supplier about the number of grooves on a screw head.
Ternus shared his feelings about becoming CEO:
“I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to carry on Apple’s mission. I have spent almost my entire career at Apple, and I was lucky enough to work under Steve Jobs and have always looked up to Tim Cook as a mentor. Being part of creating groundbreaking products that changed how people connect with each other and with the world has been an honor. I promise to lead the company with the values and vision that have defined this place for half a century.”
How the CEO Transition Will Work
The leadership change will not happen overnight. Tim Cook will continue as CEO through the summer of 2026. During this time, he will work closely with John Ternus to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities.
This approach allows Ternus to learn directly from Cook while still having Cook’s guidance available. The transition period gives both leaders time to make sure all teams and projects move forward without disruption.
Arthur Levinson, Apple’s current non-executive chairman, praised both leaders:
“Tim’s leadership has transformed Apple into the world’s best company. He introduced groundbreaking products and services time and again, and his integrity and values are part of everything Apple does. We believe John is the best possible leader to succeed Tim. His love of Apple, his leadership, deep technical knowledge, and focus on creating great products will help lead Apple to an extraordinary future.”
Cook’s Legacy as Apple CEO
Tim Cook took over as CEO from Steve Jobs in August 2011. At that time, many people doubted whether anyone could fill Jobs’ shoes. But Cook proved them wrong by leading Apple to become the world’s most valuable company.
Under Cook’s leadership, Apple introduced completely new product categories including the Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple Vision Pro. The company also grew its services business with offerings like iCloud, Apple Pay, Apple TV, and Apple Music.
The numbers tell a clear story of growth. When Cook became CEO, Apple’s yearly revenue was $108 billion in fiscal year 2011. By fiscal year 2025, that number had grown to more than $416 billion. The company’s market capitalization went from about $350 billion to $4 trillion, an increase of more than 1,000%.
Apple also expanded its reach around the world. The company now operates over 500 retail stores and does business in more than 200 countries. The number of active Apple devices in use around the world has grown to more than 2.5 billion.
What Changes for Apple Customers
For most Apple customers, the CEO change will not bring any immediate visible differences. John Ternus has already been a public face for Apple at product events for several years. He has presented new Macs, iPads, and other hardware products on stage.
Ternus takes over at a time when Apple faces new challenges, particularly in artificial intelligence. The company is working to add more AI features to its operating systems and devices. Apple is also expected to release its first foldable iPhone later in 2026.
The company will hold its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2026, where it will show off new versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and other software. These updates are expected to include stronger AI capabilities.
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Additional Leadership Changes at Apple
Along with the CEO transition, Apple announced other changes to its leadership team. Tom Marieb will take over as head of hardware engineering, reporting to Johny Srouji. Apple also created a new position, naming Srouji as Chief Hardware Officer.
These changes show that Apple is thinking carefully about its leadership structure for years to come. John Ternus is 50 years old, meaning he could potentially serve as CEO for a decade or longer, providing stability for the company.
The transition marks the end of an era but also the beginning of a new chapter for Apple. Tim Cook will remain involved as Executive Chairman, offering his experience and guidance to John Ternus as the new CEO takes Apple into its next phase of growth.
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