Tim Cook steps down as Apple CEO, John Ternus takes over

California, USA, September 3, 2026 — Tim Cook has stepped down as Apple’s chief executive after 15 years at the helm, handing leadership of the technology giant to longtime hardware executive John Ternus.

Ternus officially became Apple’s CEO on September 1, following a succession plan announced by the company in April. Cook has moved into the role of executive chairman of Apple’s board, where he will continue to assist the company on selected matters, including engagement with policymakers around the world.

The leadership transition marks the end of one of the longest and most consequential CEO tenures in Apple’s history. Cook took over from co-founder Steve Jobs in 2011 and oversaw a period in which Apple expanded dramatically in both scale and market value.

During Cook’s tenure, Apple broadened its business beyond the iPhone, expanding products and services including the Apple Watch, AirPods, Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Pay and iCloud. The company also strengthened its services business and developed one of the technology industry’s most sophisticated global supply chains.

Apple’s market value increased enormously during Cook’s leadership, reaching roughly $4.7 trillion by the time he left the CEO position. Annual revenue also rose substantially during his tenure, reflecting the continued growth of the iPhone alongside Apple’s expanding services and hardware businesses.

Cook will not leave Apple entirely. As executive chairman, he is expected to remain involved in certain strategic matters and external relationships, providing continuity as Ternus begins running the company. Apple’s board had unanimously approved the succession plan, describing it as the result of a long-term process.

Ternus, 51, is a longtime Apple executive who joined the company in 2001. He most recently served as senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, overseeing teams responsible for the development of major Apple products. Before joining Apple, he worked as a mechanical engineer at Virtual Research Systems and holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.