Apple has announced that chief executive Tim Cook will step down from his role in September, with longtime company veteran John Ternus set to take over as CEO.
Cook, who has led Apple since 2011 following Steve Jobs, will officially hand over the position on September 1, 2026. He will transition to the role of executive chairman, remaining closely involved in the company’s strategic direction and global policy engagement.
The leadership change marks the end of a 15-year tenure during which Cook transformed Apple into one of the world’s most valuable companies, expanding its product ecosystem and building a services business generating over $100 billion annually.
Ternus, currently Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, has spent more than two decades at the company and played a central role in developing flagship products including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and AirPods.
His appointment signals continuity in Apple’s leadership, with the company opting for an internal successor deeply familiar with its product development and engineering culture. However, Ternus takes charge at a critical moment, as Apple faces increasing pressure to strengthen its position in artificial intelligence amid fierce competition from rivals investing heavily in AI technologies.
Investors have so far reacted calmly to the announcement, viewing the transition as part of a long-planned succession strategy rather than a sudden shift in direction.
Cook’s move to executive chairman ensures he will remain influential behind the scenes, while Ternus is expected to lead Apple into its next phase—one likely defined by how effectively it integrates AI into its core products and ecosystem.
