Apple has officially announced a major leadership transition, confirming that Tim Cook Stepping Down as Apple CEO in September 2026 is part of the company's long-term strategy. The tech giant revealed the shakeup today, outlining a course for Cook to leave his position after 15 years leading the firm.
The Transition: Tim Cook Stepping Down as Apple CEO in September 2026
Senior Vice President of hardware engineering John Ternus is slated to take over as CEO on September 1, 2026. To ensure a seamless handover, Cook will continue to lead the company through the summer following the board's unanimous approval of the decision.
After his tenure as CEO concludes, Cook will transition into a new role as executive chairman of Apple's board of directors. This move marks the end of an era for the man who helped transform the iPhone maker into a global powerhouse.
"It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be the CEO of Apple and to have been trusted to lead such an extraordinary company,” Cook stated in a recent announcement. He expressed deep gratitude for the team's dedication to creating world-class products and services.
A Remarkable Legacy and New Leadership
Cook’s tenure has seen Apple reach unprecedented heights through consistent innovation and massive scale. Since joining the company in 1998, he has helped oversee significant milestones:
- Expansion of the workforce by over 100,000 employees.
- Growth of the installed device base by more than 2.5 billion devices.
- The successful market launches of Apple TV, Apple Music, and Apple Watch.
Cook also praised his successor, noting that Ternus possesses "the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity." He expressed total confidence in Ternus's ability to lead Apple into its next chapter.
John Ternus: The Next Chapter for Apple
Ternus’s career at Apple follows a similar path of excellence; he joined the company in 2001 and became VP of hardware engineering in 2013. He has been a key figure in the development of several iconic products, including:
- The iPad and AirPods.
- Modernizing the Mac lineup.
- The recent launch of the iPhone 17 line and iPhone Air.
"I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple’s mission forward," Ternus said, reflecting on his time working under Steve Jobs and being mentored by Cook. He expressed immense optimism about the talent present at the company and his commitment to leading with Apple's core values.
Changes Within the Board of Directors
As the leadership transition begins, non-executive chairman Arthur Levinson will also undergo a shift. Once Cook assumes the role of executive chairman, Levinson will move into the position of lead independent director.
Cook expressed his thanks to Levinson for 15 years of service and shared a personal letter on Apple's website. In it, he reassured the tech community that Ternus is "the perfect person for the job" and will lead with extraordinary integrity.
Cook concluded by sharing his pride in Ternus, stating, "I am so proud to call him Apple’s next CEO. This company will reach such incredible heights under his leadership."
