Apple has announced that CEO Tim Cook is stepping down.
The tech giant revealed the leadership shakeup today, plotting a course for Cook to leave his position after 15 years in the role. Senior vice president of hardware engineering John Ternus will take over as CEO September 1, 2026.
Cook will continue to lead Apple through the summer to ensure a smooth transition process following the decision, which was unanimously approved by the company’s board of directors. He will then become executive chairman of its board of directors.
“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. “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.”
Tim Cook. Photo by Alberto Rodriguez/Variety via Getty Images.
He continued: “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.”
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Photo by Alberto Rodriguez/Variety via Getty Images.
Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
