Apple CEO Tim Cook announced he will step down this summer, moving into the Executive Chairman role. In a letter to employees, he looked back on 15 years at the helm, reaffirmed the company’s core values, and confirmed John Ternus as his successor. Cook framed the change as the start of Apple’s next chapter.
As Tim Cook prepares to step down as Apple CEO in September, he has shared a deeply personal farewell letter to the global Apple community. Cook reflects on his 15-year journey, the trust he says users placed in Apple, and his human connection to millions worldwide. He also signals confidence in successor John Ternus to guide the next chapter.
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Apple has officially appointed John Ternus, its long-time hardware chief, as CEO starting September 1, 2026, replacing Tim Cook, who will become Executive Chairman of the board. The change marks Apple’s biggest leadership shift in 15 years. Ternus is expected to drive an AI-first, hardware-heavy strategy, while Cook will focus on global policy engagement and board leadership.
Apple CEO Tim Cook told employees in a heartfelt internal memo that “now is the right time” to step away after 15 years leading the company. Cook announced he will transition to the role of Executive Chairman this summer, explaining the timing and rationale behind the change as he prepares to hand over day-to-day leadership.
Apple’s CEO Tim Cook will step down on September 1, 2026, ending his 15-year tenure that helped steer the company into a roughly $4 trillion valuation era. Cook will become executive chairman, while John Ternus is set to take over as CEO. The leadership change marks a major shift for one of the world’s most influential tech firms.
Tim Cook will step down as Apple CEO after 15 years, with John Ternus set to take over on September 1. Cook calls the move a planned succession and will remain executive chairman. Ternus points to artificial intelligence as a key growth opportunity, while Cook says he will concentrate on global government and geopolitical relationships.
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