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

Apple has announced that its CEO, Tim Cook, will step down in September after more than a decade in leadership. He will become executive chairman, remaining involved in a strategic role. He will be succeeded by John Ternus, currently senior vice president of hardware engineering, marking Apple’s first CEO change since the death of co-founder Steve Jobs. The transition comes as Apple faces pressure to strengthen its position in artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, Johny Srouji has been promoted to chief hardware officer as part of broader leadership changes within the company.

Apple has announced a major leadership transition that will take effect in September, as long-serving chief executive officer Tim Cook prepares to step down after more than a decade in charge of the company.
Cook, who has led Apple since 2011 following the death of co-founder Steve Jobs, will move into the role of executive chairman. In this position, he will remain with the company in a more strategic and advisory capacity, but he will no longer be responsible for its daily operations or executive decision-making as CEO. His tenure as CEO is widely associated with Apple’s expansion into one of the world’s most valuable and influential technology companies, with significant growth in product lines, services, and global reach.
Apple stated that leadership will be handed over to veteran executive John Ternus, who currently serves as senior vice president of hardware engineering. Ternus has been deeply involved in the development of Apple’s core hardware products, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs, and has played a central role in advancing the company’s hardware design and engineering strategy.
Following the announcement, Ternus acknowledged his long history within the company, noting that he has spent most of his professional career at Apple. He expressed appreciation for having worked under both Steve Jobs and Tim Cook, describing them as influential figures in his development as a leader. He also emphasized that contributing to Apple’s product innovation has been a defining privilege in his career, particularly in shaping technologies that have changed how people interact with the digital world.
Cook, in reflecting on his departure from the CEO role, described leading Apple as “the greatest privilege” of his life, underscoring the significance of his time at the helm of the company.
The leadership transition is particularly notable because it represents Apple’s first CEO change since Steve Jobs, marking a rare moment in the company’s modern history. It also signals a carefully planned internal succession, with Apple continuing its tradition of promoting leadership from within its senior executive ranks.
The announcement comes at a time when Apple is facing increasing pressure from investors and industry observers to maintain its competitive position in rapidly evolving areas of technology, especially artificial intelligence. As rivals accelerate AI development, Apple is expected to demonstrate how it will adapt and innovate in this space while sustaining growth across its existing product ecosystem.
In addition to the CEO transition, Apple also confirmed a separate executive change. Johny Srouji, who has been responsible for the company’s custom chip design and sensor technologies, has been promoted to chief hardware officer. His expanded role is expected to strengthen Apple’s hardware strategy, particularly in areas that support performance, efficiency, and future device innovation.
Overall, these changes reflect a broader restructuring within Apple’s top leadership, aimed at ensuring continuity while positioning the company for its next phase of technological development and global competition.