Key Points
- John Ternus to become Apple CEO from 1 September 2026
- Tim Cook to shift to executive chairman role after 14 years as chief executive
- Board unanimously approved the leadership transition plan
John Ternus will become Apple’s next chief executive officer on 1 September 2026, succeeding Tim Cook who will transition to executive chairman. Apple’s board of directors unanimously approved the leadership change.
The transition marks the end of Cook’s 14-year tenure as CEO, a period during which Apple became the world’s most valuable company. Cook took over from co-founder Steve Jobs in August 2011 and oversaw the growth of Apple’s services business, the launch of products including Apple Watch and AirPods, and the company’s expansion into original content and financial services.
Ternus, currently senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, has spent 25 years at Apple. In his current role, he oversees the design and engineering of all Apple hardware products, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and the company’s spatial computing device, Apple Vision Pro.
What the executive chairman role involves
As executive chairman, Cook will remain involved with Apple but step back from day-to-day operations. The role will include engaging with policymakers around the world, a responsibility that has become increasingly important as technology companies face regulatory scrutiny in multiple jurisdictions including India, the European Union and the United States.
The executive chairman position differs from a non-executive chairman in that it typically involves active participation in company strategy and external affairs rather than purely board governance duties.
“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,” Cook said in a statement. “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.”
Cook described Ternus as “a visionary whose contributions to Apple over 25 years are already too numerous to count” and said he was “without question the right person to lead Apple into the future.”
“John Ternus has the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and with honour,” Cook said. “I could not be more confident in his abilities and his character.”
Ternus acknowledged the significance of the appointment in his response. “I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple’s mission forward,” he said. “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.”
Transition timeline
Cook will continue as CEO through the summer of 2026, working closely with Ternus to ensure a smooth handover. The company said the transition follows a “thoughtful, long-term succession planning process” by the board.
For Indian consumers and Apple’s growing presence in the country, the leadership change comes at a significant moment. Apple has been expanding its manufacturing operations in India through partners including Foxconn and Tata Electronics, and opened its first retail stores in Mumbai and Delhi in 2023.
Ternus’s hardware engineering background may influence Apple’s product strategy in the coming years, though the company has not indicated any immediate changes to its roadmap. His tenure will begin formally on 1 September 2026, when Cook assumes the executive chairman position.
Your Questions, Answered
When will John Ternus become Apple CEO?
John Ternus will become Apple's chief executive officer on 1 September 2026, as announced by the company's board of directors.
What will Tim Cook do after stepping down as Apple CEO?
Tim Cook will become executive chairman of Apple's board of directors. In this role, he will assist with company matters including engaging with policymakers around the world.
Who is John Ternus and what is his background at Apple?
John Ternus is currently Apple's senior vice president of Hardware Engineering. He has worked at Apple for 25 years and oversees the design and engineering of all Apple hardware products including iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Vision Pro.
How long was Tim Cook the CEO of Apple?
Tim Cook served as Apple CEO for approximately 14 years. He took over from co-founder Steve Jobs in August 2011 and will continue in the role until 1 September 2026.
