Apple is witnessing a significant leadership change as Tim Cook, who guided the tech giant for nearly 15 years, is stepping down. Cook, who succeeded Apple co-founder Steve Jobs in 2011, will pass the baton to John Ternus, the current head of hardware engineering at Apple.
Until September 1, 2026, Tim Cook will continue as CEO before transitioning to the role of executive chairman on Apple’s board. During Cook’s tenure, Apple saw remarkable growth, introducing innovative products like the Apple Watch and services such as Apple Music and Apple TV Plus.
Under Cook’s leadership, Apple’s market valuation soared from $350 billion when he became CEO to $4 trillion by 2022, making it the first US company to hit the $1 trillion mark in 2018.
In a letter to the Apple community, Tim Cook expressed his deep appreciation for the support and shared experiences with Apple users. He emphasized how leading a company like Apple, which impacts lives in profound ways, has been a tremendous honor and privilege for him.
Cook praised John Ternus as a highly skilled engineer and visionary, perfectly suited to lead Apple into a new era. He highlighted Ternus’ dedication to product excellence and user experience, expressing confidence in Apple’s future growth under his leadership.
While Cook will step down as CEO in September, he reassured Apple users that he will remain on the company’s board, emphasizing that it is not a farewell but a moment of transition. He thanked the community for their trust and kindness, acknowledging the transformative journey of being CEO of Apple.
In his heartfelt letter, Tim Cook shared personal anecdotes from Apple users, reflecting on the impact of Apple products on people’s lives and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to lead a company that prioritizes customer satisfaction above all else.