Tim Cook Stepping Down as Apple CEO in September 2026
Apple announced that CEO Tim Cook will step down on September 1, 2026, ending his 15-year tenure as the company’s leader. Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering John Ternus will succeed him as CEO, while Cook will transition to Executive Chairman of Apple’s board of directors.
The leadership transition was unanimously approved by Apple’s board. Cook will remain CEO through the summer to ensure a smooth handover. “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,” Cook said in a statement.
Cook joined Apple in 1998 and became CEO in August 2011, succeeding founder Steve Jobs after serving as Chief Operating Officer. During his 15-year leadership, Apple has significantly expanded its product portfolio, launching the AirPods and Apple Watch alongside its core iPhone, Mac, and iPad lines. The company has grown into one of the world’s most valuable corporations under his stewardship.
Ternus brings extensive hardware engineering expertise to the role, having overseen development of many of Apple’s flagship products. His appointment signals that Apple will maintain its focus on hardware innovation. The transition represents a significant leadership change for the tech giant as it navigates an increasingly competitive landscape and evolving consumer demands.