Tim Cook to Step Down as Apple CEO, John Ternus to Take Over
Apple has announced that Tim Cook will step down as CEO and become executive chairman, with longtime hardware chief John Ternus set to take over as chief executive officer on September 1, 2026.
Apple has confirmed that Tim Cook will transition from CEO to executive chairman of the company’s board of directors, while John Ternus, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, will assume the CEO role.
The company said the decision was unanimously approved by its board and is the result of a long-term succession planning process.
A Major Leadership Change at Apple
Cook, who became CEO in 2011 following Steve Jobs, has led Apple through one of the most significant growth periods in its history.
During his tenure, Apple expanded across multiple key areas, including:
- Services
- Wearables
- Global market reach
In its announcement, Apple credited Cook with helping shape the company’s modern product strategy and long-term business direction.
Cook will remain CEO through the summer to support the transition before officially stepping into the executive chairman role.
In that position, Apple said he will continue contributing to select areas of the business, including engagement with policymakers worldwide.
Who Is John Ternus?
Ternus has been with Apple for approximately 25 years and currently serves as Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering.
He has played a central role in Apple’s hardware development, overseeing products across the company’s lineup.
In announcing the transition, Cook described Ternus as a key leader within Apple’s engineering organization and said he is well positioned to guide the company into its next phase.
As part of the leadership shift, Ternus will also join Apple’s board of directors.
Additional Executive Changes
The transition also includes changes within Apple’s hardware division.
Apple announced that Johny Srouji will take on the role of chief hardware officer, effective immediately.
Srouji steps into the position previously held by Ternus, continuing a broader reshaping of Apple’s executive structure.
Apple also said that Arthur Levinson, who has served as non-executive chairman for the past 15 years, will become lead independent director on September 1.
What This Means for Apple
This transition represents one of Apple’s most significant leadership changes in over a decade.
Rather than fully stepping away, Cook will remain actively involved in a senior leadership role, while day-to-day CEO responsibilities shift to a longtime internal executive.
The structure suggests a focus on continuity, with leadership staying within Apple’s existing executive team.
The Bigger Picture
Apple’s approach reflects a controlled leadership handoff rather than a disruptive change.
By elevating a senior hardware leader while retaining Cook in an executive chairman role, the company appears to be balancing stability with long-term transition planning.
With Ternus set to take over on September 1 and additional leadership changes already in motion, Apple is entering a new phase at the top of its organization.