Cupertino, California — April 21, 2026 — Apple Inc. has officially announced a planned succession that will see longtime executive John Ternus assume the role of chief executive officer, effective September 1, 2026. Current CEO Tim Cook will transition to executive chairman of the company’s board of directors, ensuring continuity during this significant chapter in Apple’s history.
The move, approved unanimously by Apple’s board following a thoughtful, long-term succession planning process, underscores the company’s commitment to stability and forward-looking leadership. Cook will continue serving as CEO through the summer, working closely with Ternus to facilitate a seamless handover.
In a statement reflecting deep appreciation for his tenure, Tim Cook expressed profound gratitude for his time leading the company. “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,” he said. “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.”
Cook praised his successor warmly, noting, “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.”
Ternus, who has spent nearly his entire career at Apple since joining the product design team in 2001, responded with humility and optimism. “I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple’s mission forward,” he said. “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.”
As senior vice president of Hardware Engineering since 2021, Ternus has played a pivotal role in the development of groundbreaking products across Apple’s lineup, including advancements in iPhone, Mac, iPad, AirPods, and Apple Watch. His leadership has emphasized innovation in reliability, durability, sustainability, and user experience — qualities that have contributed significantly to the company’s reputation for excellence.
Board chair Arthur Levinson highlighted the strength of this transition, stating that Cook’s leadership has “transformed Apple into the world’s best company” and affirming that Ternus is “the best possible leader to succeed Tim.” Levinson will step into the role of lead independent director, while Ternus will also join the board.
This marks Apple’s first CEO change since Tim Cook succeeded Steve Jobs in 2011, a period during which the company achieved remarkable growth under Cook’s stewardship. Analysts and observers have described the succession as a natural and well-prepared step, reflecting Apple’s emphasis on internal talent and shared values.
As both leaders prepare for this new phase, the announcement reinforces Apple’s enduring focus on innovation, customer experience, and global impact. The company looks ahead with confidence to continued success under Ternus’s guidance, supported by Cook’s ongoing contributions in his new capacity.
