Apple confirmed that Tim Cook will step down as the company's CEO on September 1, 2026.
He has led Apple since 2011, succeeding Steve Jobs and leading the company to become one of the most valuable in the world.
His duties will be taken over by John Ternus, Apple's senior vice president of hardware engineering, who was previously expected to succeed Cook. Ternus is a veteran Apple employee who led the development of key products such as the iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Although no longer CEO, Cook will remain Apple's Executive Chairman of the board.
His role includes providing strategic advice and liaising with global policymakers. Under Cook, who joined Apple in 1998, Apple reached a market value of $4 trillion last year, launching the Apple Watch AirPods, Vision Pro, Apple Music, Apple TV+ and a complete overhaul of Apple Siicon.
John Ternus joined Apple in 2001 as a member of the product design team and was involved in the development of the Apple Cinema Display. His tenure as CEO will be of interest to many, as Cook has a background in industrial engineering while Ternus is a mechanical engineer.
When he takes office in September, Ternus will become the eighth CEO in Apple's 50-year history. Before him, the role was held by Michael Scott (1977–1981), Mike Markkula (1981–1983), John Sculley (1983–1993), Michael Spindler (1993–1996), Gil Amelio (1996–1997), Steve Jobs (1997–2011) and Tim Cook (2011–2026).
