Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Apple Hosts Farewell for Tim Cook Ahead of CEO Transition
Apple held a party to celebrate Tim Cook’s time as its chief executive.
About 200 employees attended the gathering at Apple Park.
The band OneRepublic performed for the guests.
Several people connected to Apple gave speeches honoring Cook.
Cook thanked the people he worked with.
He also mentioned his partner, Mike, in a rare public reference to his private life.
Cook is not leaving Apple completely.
He will become executive chairman, while Ternus becomes the new CEO on September 1.
Ternus will face his first major test at Apple’s upcoming September iPhone event.
Apple held a farewell party for Tim Cook at Apple Park on August 23, one day before his 15th anniversary as CEO.
Around 200 employees attended the event, which included a OneRepublic performance and tributes from Apple leaders.
Cook thanked colleagues and reportedly referred publicly to his partner, Mike, during a rare personal moment.
Cook will become Apple’s executive chairman on September 1 and will continue working with the company on selected matters.
Ternus will replace Cook as CEO, with the transition expected to emphasize continuity rather than immediate organizational changes.
- Who
- Tim Cook, Apple employees and leaders, OneRepublic, and Ternus were involved in the event and leadership transition.
- What
- Apple held a farewell party for Cook as he prepares to step down as CEO and become executive chairman.
- When
- The party was held on August 23; Cook’s new role and Ternus’s appointment as CEO begin on September 1.
- Where
- The event took place at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, including Caffè Macs and the central courtyard.
- Why
- The gathering marked Cook’s leadership tenure and the planned transition to Ternus while emphasizing continuity at Apple.
- Event date
- August 23
- Location
- Apple Park, Cupertino, California
- Attendance
- Around 200 employees
- Entertainment
- OneRepublic performed in Apple Park’s open-air courtyard
- Cook’s next role
- Executive chairman of Apple beginning September 1
- Incoming CEO
- Ternus
- Transition approach
- Apple expects continuity without significant immediate organizational changes