Apple has announced a major leadership transition that will see longtime CEO Tim Cook step into the role of executive chairman, with current senior vice president of Hardware Engineering John Ternus set to become the company’s next chief executive officer.
The change will take effect on September 1, 2026, following what Apple described as a long-term and carefully planned succession process approved unanimously by its board of directors.
Cook will remain CEO through the summer, working closely with Ternus to ensure a smooth handover. In his new role as executive chairman, Cook will continue to support the company, particularly in areas such as global policy engagement and strategic guidance.
“It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be the CEO of Apple,” Cook said in a statement. “John Ternus has the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity. I could not be more confident in his ability to lead Apple into the future.”
Ternus, who has spent nearly his entire career at Apple, said he is honored to take on the role and continue building on the company’s legacy.
“I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple’s mission forward,” he said. “Having worked under both Steve Jobs and Tim Cook, I am optimistic about what we can achieve in the years ahead.”
The leadership transition marks the end of a defining era under Cook, who took over as CEO in 2011. During his tenure, Apple’s market value grew from approximately $350 billion to around $4 trillion, while annual revenue nearly quadrupled to over $416 billion by 2025.
Cook oversaw the expansion of Apple’s product portfolio, including the launch of Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple Vision Pro, as well as the rapid growth of its services business, which now generates more than $100 billion annually. He also led the company’s transition to Apple-designed silicon, significantly improving performance and efficiency across its devices.
Beyond financial growth, Cook reinforced Apple’s focus on privacy, accessibility, and environmental sustainability, helping reduce the company’s carbon footprint while expanding its global reach to more than 200 countries and territories.
Ternus brings more than two decades of experience at Apple. Since joining the company’s product design team in 2001, he has played a key role in the development of major product lines, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. He became vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2013 and joined Apple’s executive team in 2021.
He has been closely involved in some of Apple’s most recent hardware innovations, including the latest iPhone lineup and the introduction of MacBook Neo, a more affordable Mac designed to expand access to the company’s ecosystem.
Arthur Levinson, who has served as Apple’s non-executive chairman for the past 15 years, will transition to the role of lead independent director when Cook assumes his new position. Ternus will also join Apple’s board of directors as part of the transition.
Apple’s board said the move ensures continuity while positioning the company for its next phase of growth, particularly as it continues to invest in artificial intelligence, hardware innovation, and global expansion.
