Tim Cook steps aside after 15 years. The hardware chief is now CEO.
Apple’s first leadership change since Steve Jobs left the job is complete. John Ternus became chief executive on September 1. Tim Cook moved to executive chairman the same day.
The company announced the plan on April 20. The board approved it unanimously after a long succession process. Cook stayed CEO through the summer so the two could work the handoff together.
From operations to engineering
Cook took over in 2011, weeks before Jobs died. He built the supply chain and the services machine. Apple’s value rose from roughly $350 billion to more than $4 trillion on his watch. Revenue more than quadrupled.
Ternus is a different kind of executive. He joined Apple’s product design team in 2001. He became vice president of hardware engineering in 2013 and senior vice president in 2021. He worked on generations of iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and the first AirPods. He is 51, about the age Cook was when he became CEO.
Cook’s public line on his successor was direct: “the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and honor.”
What Cook keeps
Cook is not leaving the building. As executive chairman he will still handle “certain aspects of the company, including engaging with policymakers around the world.” Arthur Levinson, the longtime non-executive chairman, becomes lead independent director. Ternus joins the board.
Johny Srouji, previously senior vice president of hardware technologies, is now chief hardware officer. He took over the engineering groups Ternus ran.
On his last day as CEO, Cook posted that his title would change but his attachment to Apple would not. Ternus sent a short first-day memo thanking the team and Cook, then posted a single word on X: “hello.”
Sending lots of love to the Apple community on my last day as CEO. My title changes tomorrow, but the love I have for the Apple community never will. Thank you for being a constant source of inspiration. My gratitude is endless, and I’m excited for the next chapter!
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) August 31, 2026
hello
— John Ternus (@johnternus) September 1, 2026
The first test is next week
Ternus has almost no runway. Apple’s “Surprise and Shine” event is September 9 at the Steve Jobs Theater. He is expected to introduce new Pro iPhones and, if reports hold, Apple’s first foldable phone. Analysts treat that device as the first real form-factor change since the iPhone X. Read our full analysis on what to expect on September 9 event here.
The larger job is harder. Apple still leads in smartphones and installed base. It trails rivals in generative AI. Ternus must keep hardware sharp while Cook works the politics of Washington and Beijing.
Apple spent 15 years proving it could grow after Jobs. Ternus now has to prove it can invent after Cook.
AI Disclosure: This article was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools and was reviewed and edited by the Glowls News editorial team before publication.