Apple Inc. has announced a major leadership change. Tim Cook will step down as chief executive officer, and John Ternus will take over the role.
Cook will remain CEO until the end of the summer. On September 1, 2026, Ternus will officially become CEO and also join Apple’s Board of Directors.
After that, Cook will move into a new role as chairman of the board. In this position, he will still support the company, including working with policymakers around the world.
During his time as CEO, Cook helped Apple grow into a $4 trillion company. He also shaped the company’s direction after Steve Jobs.
Apple confirmed that Ternus, who currently leads hardware engineering, will take over on September 1. The company said Cook will stay on through the summer to ensure a smooth handover.
In a statement released on April 20, 2026, Cook described his experience as CEO as the “greatest privilege” of his life.
“It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be the CEO of Apple and to have been trusted to lead such an extraordinary company. I love Apple with all of my being, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with a team of such ingenious, innovative, creative, and deeply caring people who have been unwavering in their dedication to enriching the lives of our customers and creating the best products and services in the world.
“John Ternus has the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and with honor. He is a visionary whose contributions to Apple over 25 years are already too numerous to count, and he is without question the right person to lead Apple into the future. I could not be more confident in his abilities and his character, and I look forward to working closely with him on this transition and in my new role as executive chairman.”
Ternus also shared his thoughts about his new role. He said he feels hopeful about Apple’s future.
“I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple’s mission forward. Having spent almost my entire career at Apple, I have been lucky to have worked under Steve Jobs and to have had Tim Cook as my mentor. It has been a privilege to help shape the products and experiences that have changed so much of how we interact with the world and with one another.
“I am filled with optimism about what we can achieve in the years to come, and I am so happy to know that the most talented people on earth are here at Apple, determined to be part of something bigger than any one of us. I am humbled to step into this role, and I promise to lead with the values and vision that have come to define this special place for half a century.”
Apple’s Board of Directors approved the leadership change. The company said it followed a careful and long-term succession plan. Arthur Levinson, who currently serves as board chair, will now take on the role of lead independent director.
Ternus joined Apple in 2001 and has spent years leading its hardware engineering work. He played an important role in boosting sales of products like the Mac, which has gained more market share in recent years.
Cook has led Apple since 2011. During that time, he built the company into a global powerhouse known for producing hundreds of millions of devices each year. With Ternus stepping in, Apple is shifting from a leader focused on operations and supply chains to one with deep experience in product design and engineering.
Ben Bajarin, CEO of Creative Strategies, said Ternus is popular inside Apple and “will bring fresh energy.” The company also announced that Johny Srouji will take on a new role as chief hardware officer, after leading Apple’s custom chip and sensor design teams.
