A historic leadership transition took place at Apple on September 1, 2026, with John Ternus officially taking over as CEO of the company. The change marks the end of Tim Cook’s 15-year era at the helm of the technology giant, who now serves as executive chairman of the board of directors. The decision, initially announced in April this year, had already been unanimously approved by Apple’s Board of Directors.
Tim Cook’s transformative legacy at the helm of Apple
During the 15 years he was in charge of Apple, Tim Cook oversaw a significant expansion of the company, consolidating it as one of the most valuable corporations in the world. Under his leadership, Apple launched innovative products such as the Apple Watch, AirPods and Apple Vision Pro, and led the successful transition of Mac computers to the company’s proprietary silicon chips. Apple’s services division also experienced notable growth during this period, diversifying the company’s revenue sources. Cook assumed the role of CEO in August 2011, succeeding co-founder Steve Jobs.
Cook continuing in a new strategic role on the board
Tim Cook is not completely disconnecting from Apple. He transitions to the role of executive chairman of the board of directors, where he will maintain involvement with certain aspects of the company. Among his future responsibilities will be interaction with public policy makers on a global scale. The former CEO had already communicated to employees that he intended to remain with the company “for a long time”, assuring that Apple would remain his top priority, even in his new position. This strategic move ensures that its vast experience and influence is maintained.
Who is John Ternus, the new leader of the technology giant
John Ternus, the new CEO, is an Apple veteran, having joined the company in 2001. Before assuming top leadership, he served as senior vice president of Hardware Engineering. Ternus also joins Apple’s board of directors as part of this transition. Cook strongly endorsed his successor, describing him in July as the “perfect person” for the role and saying the transition was “going incredibly well.” Ternus becomes one of the few to hold the highest position in Apple’s history.
Ternus’ trajectory and the immediate challenges ahead for Apple
Over his 25 years at Apple, Ternus has overseen the hardware engineering of some of the company’s most crucial products, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and AirPods. He played a key role in the transition from Intel processors to Apple’s own silicon chips in Macs, demonstrating his leadership capabilities on complex and strategic projects. Responsibility for Apple’s broader hardware organization has now been transferred to Johny Srouji, who has been named the company’s new chief hardware officer.
Ternus takes the helm at Apple at a crucial time, with the company’s annual product event scheduled for just days after his inauguration. The event, set for September 9, 2026, will be the first major product launch under Ternus’ leadership, putting the new CEO in the spotlight immediately after his ascension.
Chronology of Apple leadership succession
- August 2011:Tim Cook takes over as CEO, succeeding Steve Jobs.
- April 2026:Apple announces the succession plan for the company’s leadership.
- July 2026:Tim Cook publicly praises John Ternus, saying the leadership transition has been “excellent.”
- September 1, 2026:John Ternus officially takes over as CEO of Apple.
- September 9, 2026:Ternus will make his first major product presentation as CEO of the company.
