Apple Inc. has announced that longtime CEO Tim Cook will step down from his role and transition to executive chairman of the board, effective September 1.
He will be succeeded by John Ternus, the company’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, following what Apple described as a long-term succession plan approved by its board.
Cook, who joined Apple in 1998 and became CEO in 2011 after Steve Jobs, called leading the company the greatest privilege of his life. In his new role, he will remain involved in strategic matters, particularly global policy engagement, while supporting the leadership transition.
Ternus, a nearly three-decade veteran at Apple, has played a central role in the development of key products including the iPhone, Mac, Apple Watch, iPad, and AirPods. He will also join the company’s board as part of the transition.
The leadership change comes as Apple continues to expand its focus on artificial intelligence and next-generation hardware innovation. Analysts have described the move as significant, given Cook’s long tenure and influence over the company’s global growth.
Additional changes include Arthur Levinson shifting to lead independent director, while Johny Srouji has been promoted to chief hardware officer.
