Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Tim Cook Steps Down as Apple CEO, Praises Successor
Tim Cook has finished his time as Apple’s CEO.
He wrote a goodbye message thanking Apple’s employees.
Cook said the company’s teamwork and culture were more important than any one leader.
John Ternus will become Apple’s next CEO on September 1.
Ternus has worked at Apple since 2001 and has led hardware engineering.
Cook will stay at Apple as executive chairman.
In that role, he is expected to work on relationships with governments and policymakers.
Cook said he feels confident and excited about Ternus leading the company.
Tim Cook completed his final day as Apple’s chief executive after a 15-year run.
Cook thanked Apple employees and credited the company’s culture for its success.
John Ternus will become Apple CEO effective September 1.
Cook is not leaving Apple and will become executive chairman.
Cook said he takes “enormous comfort” in handing leadership to Ternus, whom he praised as capable of building world-changing products.
- Who
- Tim Cook, John Ternus, and Apple employees.
- What
- Cook is stepping down as Apple CEO, with Ternus succeeding him.
- When
- Cook’s final day as CEO; Ternus becomes CEO effective September 1. Cook’s tenure began in August 2011.
- Where
- Apple, including Apple Park, where Cook said he would continue seeing employees.
- Why
- Apple is carrying out a board-approved succession plan, with Cook moving to executive chairman and Ternus taking charge of day-to-day leadership and product strategy.
- Outgoing CEO
- Tim Cook
- Incoming CEO
- John Ternus, effective September 1
- Cook’s next role
- Executive chairman of Apple
- Cook’s tenure
- Began in August 2011 and lasted 15 years
- Farewell message
- Cook thanked employees and praised Apple’s culture and shared purpose
- Ternus at Apple
- Joined in 2001 and later led hardware engineering
- Succession approval
- Apple’s board unanimously approved Ternus after a long-term succession process
- Company challenge mentioned
- Apple faces questions about whether it can move quickly enough in artificial intelligence
