Apple Inc. has announced a leadership transition that will take effect on September 1, 2026. Tim Cook will step down as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and take on the role of Executive Chairman, while John Ternus will become the company’s next CEO. The decision follows a long-term succession plan approved by the board of directors.
To facilitate a stable handover, Cook will maintain his duties as CEO through the summer of 2026, working directly with Ternus. Upon assuming the Executive Chairman role in September, Cook will shift his focus toward specific corporate aspects, primarily managing Apple’s engagement with global policymakers.
This leadership change also triggers restructuring within the Apple Board of Directors. Arthur Levinson, who has held the position of non-executive chairman for 15 years, will transition to lead independent director on September 1, 2026. John Ternus will also be added to the board of directors on that same date.
According to Apple, John Ternus brings a deeply technical background to the chief executive position. Before joining Apple, Ternus integrated into Apple’s product design team in 2001. He was promoted to Vice President of Hardware Engineering in 2013 and officially joined the executive leadership team as Senior Vice President in 2021.
Ternus has directed the hardware engineering efforts across all major Apple product categories. His portfolio includes the development of the iPad, Apple Watch, and multiple generations of the Mac and iPhone. His recent tenure includes the launch of the MacBook Neo, the ultra-thin iPhone Air, and the iPhone 17 series. He also oversaw the engineering that allowed AirPods to function as an all-in-one health system and over-the-counter hearing aids.
Beyond product features, Ternus has focused heavily on physical resilience and material science. His teams have introduced manufacturing techniques to increase device lifespans and improve repairability. Ternus has also driven environmental initiatives within hardware, integrating a new recycled aluminum compound across multiple lines and utilizing 3-D printed titanium in the Apple Watch Ultra 3 to lower the company’s manufacturing carbon footprint.
Tim Cook said, “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. 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.”
He further added, “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.”
“I want to thank Art for the incredible work he has done leading the board of directors for the past 15 years. I have always found his advice to be invaluable and I appreciate his thoughtfulness and his unwavering dedication to the company. I am grateful he will serve as our lead independent director, and I look forward to working with him in my new role.” he added.
John Ternus, said, “I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple’s mission forward. 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.
He further added, “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.”
Arthur Levinson, said, “Tim’s unprecedented and outstanding leadership has transformed Apple into the world’s best company. He’s introduced groundbreaking products and services time and again, and his integrity and values are infused into everything Apple does. On behalf of the entire board of directors, we are incredibly grateful for his countless contributions to Apple and the world, and we are thrilled he will now be executive chairman.”
He further added, “We believe John is the best possible leader to succeed Tim and as he transitions to CEO we know his love of Apple, his leadership, deep technical knowledge, and relentless focus on creating great products will help lead Apple to an extraordinary future.”
