Apple confirms Tim Cook will step down as CEO in 2026, with John Ternus set to take over in a major leadership shift for the company.
A Leadership Change at Apple Inc
Tim Cook will step down as CEO on September 1, 2026, ending a 15-year run at the top of one of the world’s most valuable companies. He will move into the role of Executive Chairman, focusing on long-term strategy and global policy engagement. Apple has named John Ternus, currently Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, as the next CEO.
From Operations Expert to CEO
Tim Cook began his career at Apple in 1998 and took over as CEO in 2011, following Steve Jobs. His early work centered on operations, where he streamlined Apple’s supply chain and reduced inventory cycles from months to days. Before Apple, he held leadership roles at IBM, Intelligent Electronics, and Compaq, building a reputation for efficiency and execution.
Growth Products and Market Milestones
Under Cook, Apple reached a $1 trillion market value in 2018 and crossed $3 trillion in 2022. By 2025, it touched a $4 trillion valuation, reflecting strong growth in devices and services. During this period, Apple expanded into wearables and new computing categories with products like the Apple Watch, AirPods, and Vision Pro. The company also moved to its own silicon, improving performance and energy efficiency across its devices. Services such as Apple Music, iCloud, and Apple Pay became a major revenue stream, contributing close to $100 billion annually.
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A Broader Leadership Team
The transition includes changes across Apple’s executive ranks. Johny Srouji will serve as Chief Hardware Officer, taking on wider engineering responsibilities. Sabih Khan is now Chief Operating Officer after the retirement of Jeff Williams in 2025. This structure is expected to support continuity as Ternus takes charge.
Personal Background and Public Role
Born in Alabama in 1960, Cook studied industrial engineering at Auburn University and later earned an MBA from Duke University. He is known for a steady and collaborative management style and a disciplined routine. In 2014, he made history as the first CEO of a Fortune 500 company to openly announce his homosexuality. He has also spoken on privacy, environmental goals, and equal rights, and has pledged to donate his wealth to charity over time.
What Comes Next for Apple?
Cook’s move to Executive Chairman signals continuity rather than a break. With Ternus stepping in and a stable leadership team in place, Apple appears set to continue its focus on integrated hardware, custom chips, and services. The coming years will test how the company balances new product categories with its established ecosystem while maintaining growth at scale.
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