Cupertino: A major leadership transition is set to take place at Apple on September 1, 2026, as Tim Cook steps down as the company’s Chief Executive Officer after 15 years at the helm. Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, John Ternus, will take over as the company’s new CEO.
Apple announced the leadership transition in April, saying it was the result of a carefully planned, long-term succession process approved unanimously by the company’s board. Cook will not be leaving Apple. Instead, he will become Executive Chairman of Apple’s board, where he is expected to continue supporting the company on selected matters, including engagement with policymakers around the world.
Tim Cook’s Remarkable Run at Apple
Cook became Apple CEO in August 2011, succeeding co-founder Steve Jobs. Over the following 15 years, he transformed the company through a strong focus on operational efficiency, supply-chain management, services and expanding Apple’s product ecosystem.
Under Cook, Apple grew into one of the world’s most valuable companies. The company expanded beyond the iPhone and Mac into products such as the Apple Watch and AirPods, while its Services business became an increasingly important part of Apple’s growth strategy.
Cook’s leadership style was markedly different from Jobs’. While Jobs was closely associated with product launches and visionary design, Cook became known for operational discipline, global supply-chain expertise and long-term business execution.
His tenure also saw Apple reach historic market-capitalization milestones and significantly expand its global presence. At the same time, the company faced challenges involving China, supply-chain diversification, regulation and the rapidly changing artificial-intelligence landscape. Recent commentary has particularly focused on whether Apple can accelerate its AI strategy while maintaining its reputation for tightly integrated hardware and software.
Who Is John Ternus?
John Ternus, Apple’s current Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, will become CEO on September 1.
Ternus has spent many years at Apple and has played a major role in the development of the company’s hardware products. Apple says he has helped drive innovations involving product durability, recycled materials, repairability and advanced manufacturing techniques.
Before joining Apple, Ternus worked as a mechanical engineer at Virtual Research Systems. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.
Apple’s board has described Ternus as a leader with deep technical knowledge, a strong focus on products and a long-standing commitment to the company.
His appointment could signal an important shift in Apple’s leadership approach. Coming from the hardware engineering organization, Ternus brings a more product-focused and technical background to the CEO role.
What Happens to Tim Cook?
Cook’s departure from the CEO position does not mark the end of his involvement with Apple.
From September 1, he will serve as Executive Chairman, while continuing to support the company in selected areas. Apple has specifically said he will assist with matters including engagement with policymakers globally.
Arthur Levinson, who has served as Apple’s non-executive chairman for 15 years, will become the company’s lead independent director. Ternus will also join Apple’s board when he assumes the CEO position.
A New Chapter for Apple
The timing of the transition makes Ternus’ first months particularly significant. Apple is entering a period of major technological change, with artificial intelligence becoming increasingly central to the strategies of the world’s biggest technology companies.
The new CEO will also face expectations surrounding Apple’s next generation of products. Apple’s September 9, 2026 product event will be the first major launch event under Ternus, just days after he formally assumes the CEO role. The event is expected to feature the next iPhone lineup and potentially Apple’s long-rumoured foldable iPhone.
For Apple, the transition represents both continuity and change. Cook leaves behind a company that is substantially larger and more diversified than the one he inherited from Steve Jobs. Ternus now faces the challenge of maintaining that momentum while guiding Apple through the next era of hardware innovation, artificial intelligence and global competition.
September 1 will therefore mark more than a change of CEO—it will mark the beginning of a new chapter in Apple’s history.
