Apple names John Ternus as next CEO, Tim Cook to transition as executive chairman

• Tim Cook and John Ternus at Apple Park. (Photo courtesy of Apple)

Apple has announced a major leadership transition, with Tim Cook set to become executive chairman of the company’s board and John Ternus appointed as its next chief executive officer, effective September 1, 2026.

The move, unanimously approved by the board, follows what Apple described as a long-term succession plan. Cook will remain CEO through the summer to support a smooth transition, before shifting to a role that includes continued engagement with global policymakers.

Cook, who has led Apple since 2011, expressed confidence in Ternus, citing his decades-long experience within the company and leadership in hardware engineering. Ternus, currently Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, has been with the company for over 25 years and has played a key role in developing major product lines across iPhone, Mac, iPad, and wearables.

In a statement, Ternus acknowledged the transition as a significant responsibility, noting his experience working under both Cook and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, and emphasizing continuity in the company’s mission and values.

As part of the leadership reshuffle, Arthur Levinson will step down as non-executive chairman and assume the role of lead independent director. Ternus will also join Apple’s board of directors.

Cook’s tenure as CEO saw Apple expand significantly, with its market capitalization rising from around $350 billion in 2011 to approximately $4 trillion. The company also grew its services business into a $100 billion segment and transitioned to Apple-designed silicon, strengthening control over its hardware and software ecosystem.

Ternus is expected to bring a strong engineering-led approach to the CEO role, having overseen advancements in product durability, materials innovation, and hardware integration. His leadership has been closely tied to Apple’s push in areas such as performance efficiency, sustainability, and device ecosystem expansion.

The transition marks one of the most significant leadership changes at Apple in over a decade, as the company positions itself for its next phase of growth.