The Tim Cook era at Apple is coming to an end, with the technology giant naming a new CEO in one of its biggest leadership changes since Steve Jobs left the top job.
Tim Cook will step down as Apple’s chief executive on September 1, 2026, and become executive chairman, while John Ternus, the company’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, will take over as CEO.
The transition was unanimously approved by Apple’s board following a long-term succession planning process aimed at ensuring continuity at the world’s most valuable technology companies.
Cook will remain closely involved with Apple after leaving the CEO position. In his new role, he will assist with selected areas of the company’s work, including engaging with policymakers around the world.
Cook became Apple CEO in 2011 after succeeding Steve Jobs. During his tenure, Apple expanded beyond the iPhone into major product categories including the Apple Watch, AirPods and Apple Vision Pro, while also significantly expanding its services business.
Under Cook, Apple’s market capitalisation grew from about $350 billion in 2011 to approximately $4 trillion, while annual revenue increased from $108 billion in fiscal 2011 to more than $416 billion in fiscal 2025.
Ternus, who joined Apple in 2001, has spent more than two decades working on the company’s hardware products. He became vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2013 and joined Apple’s executive team as senior vice president in 2021.
He has overseen hardware development across major product lines, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and AirPods. He also played a role in Apple’s transition to its own silicon chips.
Apple board chairman Arthur Levinson will also change roles. After 15 years as non-executive chairman, he will become Apple’s lead independent director, while Ternus will join the board.
Cook described Ternus as a visionary and the right person to lead Apple into the future, while Ternus said he was honoured to take on the responsibility and would continue building on Apple’s values and vision.
The leadership change marks a major turning point for Apple as Ternus prepares to lead the company into its next era.
