Tim Cook, the long-serving chief executive of Apple, has announced that he will step down from his role after nearly 15 years at the helm. He will officially transition out of the CEO position on September 1, 2026, and move into the role of executive chairman. Cook succeeded Steve Jobs in 2011 and went on to lead the company through a transformative phase, turning it into one of the most valuable corporations globally.
Under Cook’s leadership, Apple witnessed unprecedented growth, expanding its product and service ecosystem with major launches like the Apple Watch, Apple Music, and Apple TV+. The company also achieved significant financial milestones, becoming the first US firm to reach a $1 trillion valuation in 2018 and later crossing the $4 trillion mark. Reflecting on his journey, Cook described his tenure as the “best job in the world” and expressed deep gratitude to customers and employees for their trust and support.
Cook confirmed that John Ternus, currently serving as Apple’s head of hardware engineering, will take over as the new CEO. He praised Ternus for his leadership qualities, experience, and commitment to innovation. While stepping down from the top role, Cook emphasized that he will continue to contribute to Apple’s future in his new position, ensuring a smooth transition and continued growth for the company.


