California: Post serving for almost 15 years as the CEO of tech giant Apple, Tim Cook, on Tuesday, announced that he will step down from the top job. Company’s Senior Vice President of hardware engineering John Ternus will takeover the leadership, effective September 2026.
Although Tim Cook is stepping down as CEO, he will remain involved with Apple as executive chairman and is expected to continue influencing the company’s long-term direction.
Praising John Ternus as the right choice to lead Apple into its next phase, Cook said in an open letter to employees and the wider Apple community, “This company will reach such incredible heights under his leadership, and you will feel his impact in every bit of delight and discovery that grows out of the products and services to come. I can’t wait for you to get to know him like I do.”
Cook also made it clear that his departure from the CEO role does not mark a full farewell. Reflecting on the transition, he wrote, “This is not goodbye. But at this moment of transition, I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you. Not on behalf of the company, this time, though there is a wellspring of gratitude for you that overflows inside our walls. But simply on behalf of me. Tim.”
His successor, John Ternus, joined Apple Inc. in 2001 and has been credited with contributing to the development of popular products such as the iPad and AirPods. He is also believed to have played a key role in reviving demand for Apple’s Mac lineup, which has gained market share in recent years.
Responding to the announcement, incoming CEO John Ternus shared confidence about Apple’s future, saying, “I am filled with optimism about what we can achieve in the years to come, and I am so happy to know that the most talented people on earth are here at Apple, determined to be part of something bigger than any one of us.”
Gil Luria, managing director of D.A. Davidson & Co., said that John’s promotion as the new CEO hints that the company may focus more heavily on new hardware such as folding phones, smart glasses, virtual reality devices and AI-powered products.
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