Tim Cook Steps Down as Apple CEO, John Ternus Named Successor

Tim Cook to Step Down as Apple CEO, John Ternus to Succeed Apple announced on April 20, 2026, that Tim Cook will step down as chief executive officer and become executive chairman of the board, with John Ternus set to take over as CEO effective September 1, 2026. The leadership transition, approved unanimously by Apple’s Board of Directors, follows a long-term succession plan. Cook will remain CEO through the summer of 2026 to ensure a smooth handover to Ternus, who currently serves as senior vice president of Hardware Engineering. As executive chairman, Cook will continue to engage with policymakers globally and support select company initiatives. In a statement, Cook reflected on his tenure, saying, “It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be the CEO of Apple and to have been trusted to lead such an extraordinary company.” He praised Ternus as “a visionary whose contributions to Apple over 25 years are already too numerous to count” and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the company forward. Ternus, who has spent nearly his entire career at Apple, said he is “profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple’s mission forward” and acknowledged the influence of both Steve Jobs and Tim Cook as mentors. The announcement marks the end of Cook’s 15-year tenure as CEO, during which he oversaw significant growth in Apple’s revenue, market value, and global influence. Since taking over in 2011, Cook guided Apple through product innovations, expanded services, and increased focus on environmental and social initiatives. As executive chairman, Cook will remain involved in Apple’s strategic direction although stepping back from day-to-day operations. Ternus assumes the CEO role with deep internal experience, particularly in hardware engineering, having led development of key products including the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The succession plan reflects Apple’s structured approach to leadership continuity, ensuring stability during the transition. Cook’s move to executive chairman allows him to retain influence while enabling new leadership to take operational control. Apple’s Board of Directors confirmed the transition was the result of extensive planning and internal development, emphasizing confidence in Ternus’s readiness to lead the company into its next phase.