Tim Cook, the current CEO of Apple, will transition to the role of Executive Chairman of the Board, with John Ternus, the Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, set to take over as CEO starting September 1, 2026. This decision was unanimously approved by Apple’s Board of Directors.
Cook will remain in his current position until the end of summer 2026 to ensure a smooth transition. In his new role as Executive Chairman, he will assist the company with various matters, including interactions with policymakers across different countries.
“Being the CEO of Apple is the greatest honor of my life. […] I love Apple with all my being,” Cook stated.
He expressed confidence in Ternus, describing him as having “the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and honor.” Ternus thanked Cook for the opportunity to continue Apple’s mission.
“I have been fortunate to work under Steve Jobs and have Tim Cook as my mentor,” Ternus remarked.
Arthur Levinson, who has served as the non-executive Chairman for 15 years, will become the Lead Independent Director starting September 1, 2026. Ternus will also join the Board at that time.
John Ternus began his career at Apple in 2001, initially working in product design. He became Vice President of Hardware Engineering in 2013 and joined the executive team as Senior Vice President in 2021. Ternus has overseen the development of several key products, including the iPad, AirPods, and various generations of the iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.
Overview of Tim Cook’s Tenure
Tim Cook joined Apple in 1998 and became CEO in 2011. Under his leadership, the company’s market capitalization surged from approximately $350 billion to $4 trillion, representing an increase of over 1000%. Annual revenue rose from $108 billion in the 2011 fiscal year to more than $416 billion in the 2025 fiscal year.
During Cook’s tenure, Apple introduced new product categories such as the Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple Vision Pro, as well as services like iCloud, Apple Pay, Apple TV, and Apple Music. The company also transitioned to using its own custom-designed processors.
Tim Cook will shift to the role of Executive Chairman of Apple, while John Ternus will become the new CEO on September 1, 2026. This transition marks a significant leadership change at one of the world's most valuable companies.