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Apple CEO Tim Cook to Step Down, John Ternus to Succeed

Apple announced Monday that John Ternus, senior vice president of hardware engineering, will become CEO on September 1, succeeding Tim Cook after his 15-year tenure. Cook, who assumed leadership shortly before Steve Jobs' death in 2011, will transition to executive chairman. Ternus, a 25-year Apple veteran who has led hardware engineering, will take the reins as the company faces heightened regulatory scrutiny over its App Store practices. The announcement follows years of succession planning, according to Apple.

Apr 20th 2026 · United States

Apple announced Monday that John Ternus, senior vice president of hardware engineering, will succeed Tim Cook as CEO on September 1, marking the first leadership transition at the technology giant since Cook took over from Steve Jobs in 2011. Cook, who has led Apple for 15 years, will become executive chairman of the company's board and will remain CEO through the summer to ensure a smooth transition with Ternus. Cook assumed the role of CEO shortly before Jobs' death in 2011, following Jobs' resignation due to health reasons. During his tenure, Cook expanded Apple's product lineup and navigated significant regulatory challenges worldwide. According to Apple's press release, the transition is the result of "thoughtful, long-term succession planning." After stepping down, Cook will assist with certain aspects of the company, including engaging with policymakers around the world. Ternus has been with Apple for 25 years and currently leads the company's hardware engineering division, making him a central figure in Apple's product development. While Ternus has operated largely outside public view compared to Cook, he has been a key architect of Apple's hardware strategy. This leadership change comes as Apple faces increasing scrutiny from regulators in the United States and Europe over its App Store practices and market dominance.

Sources