Tim Cook Steps Down as Apple CEO as John Ternus Prepares to Lead a New Era
Tim Cook is set to step down as Apple CEO on September 1, ending a remarkable 15-year run at the top of one of the world’s most influential technology companies. John Ternus, Apple’s longtime hardware engineering chief, will take over as the company’s next CEO, while Cook will continue to play a major role at Apple as executive chairman of the board.
Cook became Apple’s chief executive in August 2011, taking over from Steve Jobs during one of the most important transitions in the company’s history. Over the years, he helped guide Apple through a period of massive growth, turning it into a broader ecosystem-driven company with a powerful mix of hardware, software, and services.
Under Cook’s leadership, Apple introduced major products and platforms including the Apple Watch, AirPods, HomePod, Vision Pro, Apple Music, and Apple TV. The company also built a larger services business and continued to expand its global customer base, helping Apple reach repeated quarterly revenue records. As Cook prepares to move out of the CEO role, Apple is entering the next chapter from a position of major financial strength.
In a message to Apple employees, Cook reflected on his 15 years leading the company and admitted that stepping away from the CEO position was not an easy decision. He said he was at peace with the move but described it as deeply emotional after spending so many years guiding Apple’s direction.
Cook thanked Apple employees for their dedication, creativity, and commitment to building products that affect people’s lives around the world. He also said he was especially proud of Apple’s culture, describing his time as CEO as the privilege of a lifetime.
Although Cook is leaving the CEO office, he is not leaving Apple. As executive chairman, he will remain involved in key areas of the company’s work, including Apple’s relationships with policymakers and governments around the world. His continued presence should provide stability during the transition and help maintain Apple’s long-term strategic direction.
Cook also expressed strong confidence in John Ternus, saying he feels enormous comfort handing the company to a leader who deeply understands Apple’s values and product philosophy. He praised Ternus as a visionary and said he is the right person to guide Apple into the future.
Ternus has spent more than 25 years at Apple and has played a central role in shaping the company’s hardware products. As head of hardware engineering, he has overseen teams responsible for some of Apple’s most important devices. His promotion signals that Apple may continue placing product design, engineering excellence, and hardware innovation at the center of its identity.
The company Ternus inherits is very different from the one Cook took over in 2011. Apple now has a massive global installed base, a wider product lineup, a fast-growing services division, and a deeply connected ecosystem built around the iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, and subscription services.
At the same time, Ternus will face significant challenges. Apple is under growing pressure to move faster in artificial intelligence, strengthen its position in emerging device categories, and keep the iPhone exciting in a mature smartphone market. Investors and customers will be watching closely to see how his leadership style shapes the company’s next generation of products.
Cook also addressed Apple fans and the wider community, saying that while his title is changing, his connection to the company remains strong. He described the leadership change as the start of a new chapter and said he remains optimistic about Apple’s future.
For Apple, the transition marks the beginning of a major new era. Ternus will become only the company’s third CEO since 1997, following Steve Jobs and Tim Cook. That alone makes the change one of the most important leadership moments in modern Apple history.
Ternus will not have to wait long for his first major test. Just eight days after officially becoming CEO, Apple is scheduled to hold its traditional September product event on September 9. The event is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro lineup and could also feature Apple’s first foldable iPhone, reportedly known as the iPhone Ultra.
If Apple does reveal a foldable iPhone, it would give Ternus a high-profile launch to open his time as CEO and could set the tone for the company’s next wave of innovation. After 15 years of Tim Cook’s leadership, all eyes are now on John Ternus as Apple prepares for one of its most closely watched transitions yet.
