Apple CEO Tim Cook will officially step down from his role on September 1, 2026, confirming years of speculation. As predicted, his successor will be John Ternus, the company's current Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering.
Cook will not be leaving the company entirely, however. He will transition to the role of executive chairman, where, according to Apple, he will "assist with certain aspects of the company, including engaging with policymakers around the world." In a statement, Cook offered the customary glowing review of his tenure, calling it "the greatest privilege of my life" and praising his team's dedication to "creating the best products and services in the world."
Ternus, who will also join Apple's board of directors, responded with his own prepared humility, stating he is "humbled to step into this role" and promising to lead with Apple's established values.
Cook, who joined Apple in 1998 and became CEO in 2011 after Steve Jobs, presided over an era of massive business growth and supply chain mastery. While his tenure saw the launch of products like AirPods, it was not defined by groundbreaking new categories. His legacy will likely be tied to the hugely successful transition to Apple Silicon for Macs, a project largely driven by Johnny Srouji, who will become chief hardware officer alongside the CEO change.
Ternus, who joined Apple's product design team in 2001 and became VP of Hardware Engineering in 2013, has long been the heir apparent. His ascension was telegraphed to the world when he took the presenting role at the recent MacBook Neo event, a spot traditionally reserved for Cook himself.