Apple CEO Tim Cook to Step Down; John Ternus Named Successor

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple CEO Tim Cook is stepping down from his role effective September 1, 2026, with John Ternus, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, slated to become the new chief executive officer, marking a significant leadership transition for the tech giant. Each of the bullet points immediately below have been confirmed by at least four of the six respected sources we curated on this story: Apple.com/newsroom, CBSNews.com, WashingtonPost.com, CNET.com, MacRumors.com, SeekingAlpha.com.

• Cook will transition into the role of executive chairman of Apple’s board of directors, having served as CEO for nearly 15 years since succeeding co-founder Steve Jobs in 2011.
• John Ternus, who has been with Apple for 25 years and currently serves as Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, will also join Apple’s Board of Directors.
• Under Cook’s leadership, Apple’s market value significantly increased, and the company expanded its services business and launched new products like the Apple Watch and AirPods.
• The succession plan was approved unanimously by the Board of Directors and follows a long-term planning process, with Cook continuing to work closely with Ternus during the transition period.

Additional Details Reported

Ternus is described as having an engineer’s mind and an innovator’s soul, attributes highlighted by the company in its announcement of the transition.

The leadership change marks Apple’s most significant non-product news in over a decade, signaling a new era for the technology giant.

The transition is expected to be closely watched by investors and industry analysts, as Apple continues to navigate a competitive and evolving tech landscape.

Cook’s tenure saw Apple solidify its position as one of the world’s most valuable companies, with a focus on innovation, product design, and ecosystem growth.

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