Cook, who became CEO in 2011, led Apple through a period of strong revenue growth.

Apple CEO Tim Cook to Step Down in 2026 After 15 Years, John Ternus Named Successor

Apple Inc. said on Tuesday that Chief Executive Tim Cook will step down on September 1, 2026, ending a 15-year tenure that reshaped the company into one of the world’s most valuable technology firms.

The company said Cook will transition to the role of Executive Chairman, while hardware engineering chief John Ternus will take over as chief executive, marking a major leadership shift at Apple Inc. as it positions itself for the next wave of artificial intelligence-driven innovation.

Cook, who became CEO in 2011, led Apple through a period of strong revenue growth, expanding its product ecosystem and strengthening its services business, while maintaining the dominance of the iPhone as its flagship product.

The successor, John Ternus, has been with Apple since 2001 and currently oversees hardware engineering. He has played a key role in recent Mac product revivals, which helped the company regain momentum in the personal computer market.

The transition comes at a time when Apple is increasingly focused on integrating AI into its hardware and software ecosystem, with investors watching closely for how new leadership will shape its strategy in an evolving technology landscape.

Tim Cook will remain involved in an oversight role as Executive Chairman, ensuring continuity during the leadership handover and supporting Apple’s long-term strategic direction.