Apple Inc. announced that Tim Cook will transition from his role as Chief Executive Officer to become the Executive Chairman of the Board, effective September 1, 2026. John Ternus, currently the Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, has been appointed as the new CEO. This long-planned leadership transition was unanimously approved by Apple’s Board of Directors. Cook will continue to serve as CEO throughout the summer to ensure a seamless handover to Ternus, who has been a pivotal figure at Apple for over 25 years.
John Ternus, 51, joined Apple’s product design team in 2001 and has overseen hardware engineering for several of the company’s most iconic products, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and AirPods. Cook praised Ternus as a brilliant engineer and thinker, stating that he possesses the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity. During his tenure, Ternus was instrumental in the transition to Apple-designed silicon and led the development of recent hardware milestones such as the iPhone 17 Pro and the latest Apple Watch Ultra models.
Since becoming CEO in 2011, Cook has overseen a historic expansion, with Apple’s market capitalization soaring from approximately $350 billion to over $4 trillion. Under his leadership, Apple introduced entirely new categories, including the Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple Vision Pro, while building a services business that now exceeds $100 billion in annual revenue. In his new capacity as Executive Chairman, Cook will continue to support the company’s strategic direction and maintain his role in engaging with global policymakers.
The reshuffle extends beyond the CEO’s office as Arthur Levinson, who has served as Apple’s non-executive chairman for 15 years, will transition to the role of Lead Independent Director on September 1. In a heartfelt community letter, Cook expressed his profound gratitude for leading the company and reading user stories every morning for the past 15 years. He described Ternus as the perfect person for the job, noting his obsession with detail and focus on making products more meaningful. The leadership shift comes at a critical time as Apple sharpens its strategy around artificial intelligence and advanced chip innovation to maintain its competitive edge.
