Tim Cook steps down as Apple CEO

Apple has announced a major leadership shake-up, with longtime Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook set to step down after 15 years at the helm, handing over to hardware chief John Ternus.

The company said the change will take effect on September 1, 2026, following unanimous approval by its board.

Cook, who has led Apple since 2011, will remain in position through the summer before transitioning to Executive Chairman.

The current chairman, Arthur Levinson, is expected to move into the role of Lead Independent Director, while Ternus will also join the board.

Ternus, 50, joined Apple’s product design team in 2001 and rose through the ranks to become Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering.

He has played a central role in the development of several of Apple’s flagship products, including the iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch and AirPods.

His tenure has also been marked by the company’s shift away from Intel processors in its Mac computers, a transition widely credited with improving performance and extending battery life.

The leadership change comes at a time of heightened competition in the technology sector, particularly around artificial intelligence. Apple has faced pressure to accelerate its AI capabilities, following delays in updating its Siri assistant and increased reliance on external partnerships to enhance its offerings.

Under Cook’s leadership, Apple expanded its services division into a business generating more than $100 billion annually, while the company’s market value grew by an estimated $3.6 trillion. Revenue nearly doubled over the period, alongside a significant reduction in product-related carbon emissions.

Ternus is expected to assume leadership at a critical juncture, as the company seeks to maintain its hardware strength while addressing evolving demands in software and artificial intelligence.