Tim Cook to Step Down as Apple CEO, John Ternus Named Successor

On April 20, 2026, Apple Inc. announced that Tim Cook will step down as CEO effective September 1, 2026. Cook, who has led the company since August 2011, will transition to the role of executive chairman ^[1][2].

John Ternus, currently Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, has been appointed as Cook’s successor. Ternus, who has been with Apple for over 25 years, will assume the CEO position on September 1, 2026 ^[2][3].

The decision was unanimously approved by Apple’s board of directors and is part of a long-term succession planning process ^[4][1]. Arthur Levinson, the current non-executive chairman, will become the lead independent director while remaining on the board ^[2][3].

During Cook’s tenure, Apple’s market value increased significantly, growing from approximately $350 billion to around $4 trillion ^[2][3]. Cook expressed his gratitude in a statement, saying, “It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be the CEO of Apple” ^[2][3].

Ternus has overseen engineering for several of Apple’s key products, including the iPhone, iPad, and Mac ^[2][5]. His appointment is seen as a continuation of Apple’s focus on hardware innovation.

What Is Known

Tim Cook will step down as CEO of Apple on September 1, 2026, and will become executive chairman. John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, will succeed him as CEO. The transition has been approved by Apple’s board and is part of a planned succession strategy ^[1][2][4].

What Remains Unclear

Details regarding any potential strategic shifts under John Ternus’s leadership have not been disclosed. Additionally, the specific reasons for the timing of Cook’s transition have not been publicly detailed beyond the succession planning context ^[1][2].