John Ternus will become the next CEO of Apple effective September 1, 2026. This marks a significant leadership change for the tech giant.
Tim Cook, who has led the company since 2011, will transition to the role of executive chairman. He will remain in his current position through the summer to ensure a smooth transition.
Cook’s tenure saw Apple’s market capitalization grow from approximately $350 billion to an impressive $4 trillion. Under his leadership, the company’s yearly revenue nearly quadrupled—from $108 billion in fiscal year 2011 to over $416 billion in fiscal year 2025.
Ternus joined Apple in 2001 and became vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2013. He has overseen notable hardware engineering projects across various product categories.
Arthur Levinson will take on the role of lead independent director on September 1 as well. This change reflects a broader shift in Apple’s leadership structure.
In statements, Cook expressed gratitude for his time as CEO, calling it “the greatest privilege of my life.” Meanwhile, Ternus stated he is “profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple’s mission forward.”
Ternus is expected to focus on product innovation as Apple navigates challenges related to artificial intelligence integration—an area where the company aims to enhance its offerings.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding how Ternus plans to implement these innovations or what immediate changes might occur under his leadership.