Tim Cook Steps Down As CEO, Stays at Apple as Executive Chairman

(AsiaGameHub) –   Apple has officially confirmed a long-anticipated leadership change at the company. Tim Cook will step down from the CEO post on September 1, 2026, and John Ternus will take over the role, while Cook will remain with Apple as executive chairman.

Key Good to Know

• John Ternus will officially take over as Apple’s CEO on September 1, 2026.
• Tim Cook will stay on at Apple as executive chairman and support the leadership transition from the board level.
• Apple confirmed that the company’s board approved the succession plan with a unanimous vote.

Apple Transfers CEO Role To John Ternus This September

Apple is bringing to a close one of the longest leadership chapters in Big Tech history. After leading the company since 2011, Tim Cook will hand the CEO position to hardware chief John Ternus on September 1. Cook remains with the business as executive chairman, while Ternus will also take a seat on Apple’s board. Arthur Levinson will shift to the role of lead independent director.

The company Cook leaves behind is far larger than the business he inherited. Throughout his tenure, Apple grew into a roughly $4 trillion company, while its services division expanded into an annual business worth more than $100 billion. Apple also built wearables into a core major product category during this period.

Ternus is a long-time veteran of Apple’s product side. He joined the company in 2001, rose to vice president of hardware engineering in 2013, and was promoted to senior vice president in 2021. He has been closely linked to all of Apple’s major hardware lines across iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch and AirPods. Reuters also highlighted his key role in the recent launch of the iPhone Air.

Cook said:

“Serving as CEO of Apple has been the greatest privilege of my life.”

Ternus added:

“I am humbled to step into this role, and I promise to lead with the same values and vision that have defined this special company for half a century.”

Apple also shared Cook’s assessment of Ternus, calling him “without question the right person to lead Apple into the future.”

Frequently Asked Questions

When will John Ternus become Apple CEO?

He will officially take the role on September 1, 2026.

What will Tim Cook do next after stepping down?

He will remain at Apple working as executive chairman.

What is John Ternus known for during his time at Apple?

He has led hardware development work across iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch and AirPods product lines.