Apple CEO Tim Cook will step down from his role later this year, marking the end of a nearly 15-year tenure that reshaped the world’s most valuable company. He will transition to the role of executive chairman, while John Ternus, the company’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, has been named as his successor.
The leadership change will take effect on September 1, as part of a long-planned succession strategy. Cook, who took over as CEO in 2011 from Steve Jobs, will remain involved in guiding the company, focusing on broader strategic and policy matters.
During his tenure, Cook oversaw a period of massive growth, transforming Apple into a multi-trillion-dollar company while expanding its ecosystem of devices and services. Under his leadership, the company introduced major products such as the Apple Watch and AirPods, while significantly growing its services business and global footprint.
Cook described leading Apple as “the greatest privilege of my life,” reflecting on his years at the helm and the company’s impact on customers worldwide.
His successor, Ternus, is a long-time Apple executive who has played a key role in the development of core hardware products, including the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. He is widely seen as a continuity choice, tasked with steering the company through its next phase, particularly as competition intensifies in areas such as artificial intelligence.
The transition comes at a pivotal moment for Apple, as it faces growing pressure to accelerate innovation in emerging technologies while maintaining its dominance in consumer electronics. Despite recent challenges, including mixed reception to some new products, the company’s strong financial position and established ecosystem are expected to support a smooth leadership handover.
