Tim Cook is stepping down as Apple’s CEO: who will replace him?
21 April 06:55
Apple has announced a change in CEO. John Ternus will succeed Tim Cook as CEO effective September 1, 2026. Apple officially confirmed this decision in a statement, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
The transition was prepared as part of a long-term succession plan, which was unanimously approved by the company’s board of directors. Upon taking office, John Turnus will also join Apple’s board of directors, and the current board chairman, Arthur Levinson, will become the lead independent director.
Who is John Ternus
John Ternus is one of Apple’s key executives, having been responsible for the development of the company’s hardware products for many years. In 2021, he became senior vice president of hardware engineering, having previously served as vice president of the same division. At the company, he has focused on developing the iPhone, Mac, iPad, AirPods, Apple Watch, and other device lines.
Reuters reports that Ternus has been with Apple since 2001 and has since risen to become one of the most prominent candidates to succeed Tim Cook. He is considered one of the architects of Apple’s current hardware strategy, particularly in the Mac and iPhone segments.
What is known about the transition
Apple announced that John Ternus will become the new CEO on September 1, 2026. Tim Cook will remain CEO through the end of the summer to ensure a smooth transition.
Cook himself wrote in a message to employees and the company’s community that he will transition into a new role over the coming months and step down as CEO in September.
After that, he will become executive chairman of the board of directors. This year’s non-executive chairman, Arthur Levinson, will become lead independent director.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as Apple’s CEO,” Cook said.
Thus, Apple has opted for a gradual transition rather than a sudden change in leadership. This should mitigate risks to the company’s operations and reassure investors, for whom the issue of succession at Apple has always been strategic.
What Made Tim Cook’s Tenure Memorable
Under Tim Cook’s leadership, Apple’s market value grew from approximately $350 billion to over $4 trillion. The Associated Press and Reuters cite his 15-year tenure as one of the most successful in modern corporate history. During this time, Apple significantly expanded its product portfolio and services business, while also strengthening its global presence.
It was under Cook’s leadership that the company launched or scaled major products and initiatives such as the Apple Watch, AirPods, Apple Music, Apple TV, and other services. At the same time, in 2026, Apple is entering a period where the market increasingly values it not only for its hardware products but also for the pace of its artificial intelligence development.
Why Turnus’s appointment is important right now
John Ternus’s appointment comes at a time when Apple is navigating a new phase of competition in the tech industry. Reuters notes that the company is entering a period of major changes related to artificial intelligence, new products, and growing pressure from competitors.
In fact, Apple is betting on a leader with deep technical and product experience. This may indicate that the company wants to strengthen its engineering and product-focused management approach in the coming years.
