Apple Inc. has announced a major leadership transition, with CEO Tim Cook set to step down later this year. He will be succeeded by John Ternus, currently serving as the company’s head of hardware engineering.

John Ternus has been with Apple for over two decades and has played a key role in the development of some of its most successful products, including Macs, iPads, and AirPods. Known for his behind-the-scenes leadership, he has been instrumental in advancing Apple’s hardware innovation, including the transition to in-house silicon chips.

The leadership change is seen as a significant shift for the company, which has largely been led by operations-focused leadership under Tim Cook. With Ternus at the helm, Apple is expected to strengthen its focus on product innovation and next-generation technologies.

Despite stepping down as CEO, Tim Cook will continue to be associated with the company as executive chairman, ensuring continuity in long-term strategy. The transition comes at a time when Apple is exploring new areas such as artificial intelligence and advanced consumer devices, marking the beginning of a new phase in its growth journey.