Apple has announced a big leadership change. Tim Cook will step down as CEO on September 1, 2026, and move into the role of Executive Chairman. John Ternus, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, will become the new CEO.
Cook has been Apple’s CEO since 2011. During his time, the company grew from a market value of $350 billion to $4 trillion. Annual revenue jumped from $108 billion to $416 billion. He expanded Apple’s reach to more than 200 countries, doubled its workforce, and grew retail stores to over 500.
His legacy includes the Apple Watch, AirPods, Apple Vision Pro, and the move to Apple Silicon chips. He also pushed Apple’s sustainability efforts, cutting its carbon footprint by 60 percent, while keeping privacy and accessibility front and center.
Ternus joined Apple in 2001 and became SVP in 2021. He has led hardware engineering for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, and Apple Watch. His work includes the MacBook Neo, the iPhone 17 series, and AirPods with hearing health features. He also pushed for recycled materials and better repairability in Apple products.
The board will also see changes. Arthur Levinson, Apple’s non-executive chairman for 15 years, will become Lead Independent Director. Ternus will join the board as well.
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Apple now enters a new chapter with John Ternus as CEO, while Tim Cook continues to guide strategy as Executive Chairman. The shift marks the start of Apple’s next era, and all eyes will be on how Ternus shapes the company’s future in the coming years.
