A major era at Apple has officially come to an end.

Tim Cook has stepped down as Apple CEO after 15 years, handing the world’s most valuable technology company to John Ternus, Apple’s former Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering. The transition officially took effect on September 1, 2026.

Cook became CEO in 2011, succeeding Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. During his tenure, Apple expanded dramatically, growing its market value from around $350 billion to more than $4 trillion, while expanding its services business and launching major product categories including the Apple Watch, AirPods and Vision Pro.

Under the new leadership structure, Cook will remain deeply involved with Apple as Executive Chairman of the board, including helping with certain company matters and relationships with policymakers around the world.

John Ternus, who joined Apple in 2001 and became head of Hardware Engineering, now takes responsibility for leading the company into its next chapter. He has played a major role in products including the iPad, AirPods, iPhone, Mac and Apple Watch.

Ternus takes over at a critical moment for Apple, with the company facing increasing pressure to strengthen its artificial-intelligence strategy, maintain its hardware leadership and navigate complex global supply-chain and geopolitical challenges.

For Apple, the transition represents its first CEO change since Steve Jobs handed the role to Tim Cook in 2011 — marking the beginning of a new era for the technology giant.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Tim Cook is not leaving Apple. He has transitioned from CEO to Executive Chairman, while John Ternus assumes the CEO position.