Apple Names John Ternus CEO as Tim Cook Moves to Executive Chairman Role

Apple  has announced a major leadership transition that will see Tim Cook step into the role of executive chairman, while John Ternus becomes the company’s next chief executive officer, effective September 1, 2026.

The transition, unanimously approved by Apple’s Board of Directors, follows a long-term succession planning process. Cook will remain CEO through the summer, working closely with Ternus to ensure a smooth handover. In his new role, Cook will continue to support the company, including engaging with policymakers globally.

“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. I love Apple with all of my being, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with a team of such ingenious, innovative, creative, and deeply caring people who have been unwavering in their dedication to enriching the lives of our customers and creating the best products and services in the world. John Ternus has the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and with honor. He is a visionary whose contributions to Apple over 25 years are already too numerous to count, and he is without question the right person to lead Apple into the future. I could not be more confident in his abilities and his character, and I look forward to working closely with him on this transition and in my new role as executive chairman.”

– Tim Cook, Executive Chairman, Apple

Ternus, who currently serves as senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, will also join Apple’s board of directors on the same date.

“I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple’s mission forward, Having spent almost my entire career at Apple, I have been lucky to have worked under Steve Jobs and to have had Tim Cook as my mentor. It has been a privilege to help shape the products and experiences that have changed so much of how we interact with the world and with one another. I am filled with optimism about what we can achieve in the years to come, and I am so happy to know that the most talented people on earth are here at Apple, determined to be part of something bigger than any one of us. I am humbled to step into this role, and I promise to lead with the values and vision that have come to define this special place for half a century.”

– John Ternus, Senior Vice President, Hardware Engineering, Apple

Meanwhile, Arthur Levinson, who has served as non-executive chairman for 15 years, will transition to the role of lead independent director.

“Tim’s unprecedented and outstanding leadership has transformed Apple into the world’s best company. He’s introduced groundbreaking products and services time and again, and his integrity and values are infused into everything Apple does, On behalf of the entire board of directors, we are incredibly grateful for his countless contributions to Apple and the world, and we are thrilled he will now be executive chairman. We believe John is the best possible leader to succeed Tim and as he transitions to CEO we know his love of Apple, his leadership, deep technical knowledge, and relentless focus on creating great products will help lead Apple to an extraordinary future.”

– Arthur Levinson, Chairman of the Board, Apple

Cook also acknowledged Levinson’s contributions, stating:

“I want to thank Art for the incredible work he has done leading the board of directors for the past 15 years. I have always found his advice to be invaluable and I appreciate his thoughtfulness and his unwavering dedication to the company. I am grateful he will serve as our lead independent director, and I look forward to working with him in my new role.”

– Tim Cook, Executive Chairman, Apple

Cook joined Apple in 1998 and became CEO in 2011, overseeing a period of significant expansion and innovation. Under his leadership, the company introduced new product categories such as Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple Vision Pro, while significantly growing its services business and global footprint. Apple’s market capitalization increased from approximately $350 billion to $4 trillion during his tenure, alongside substantial revenue growth and expansion to more than 200 countries and territories.

Ternus joined Apple in 2001 and rose through the ranks to lead hardware engineering. He has played a key role in the development of major product lines including iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch, as well as innovations in materials, sustainability, and device performance.

The leadership transition marks a new chapter for Apple as it continues to evolve its product ecosystem and global operations under new executive leadership.