In a major announcement for the technology giant, Tim Cook, the long-serving CEO of Apple, has revealed that he will step down from his position. Cook, who has led the company since 2011, will be succeeded by John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, effective September 1, 2026.

Cook, who joined Apple in 1998, has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and innovation, taking over from the legendary Steve Jobs. Following his resignation, he will transition to the role of executive chairman of Apple’s board, where he will continue to influence the company’s strategic direction.

In his new role, Ternus will also join Apple’s board of directors. Ternus has been with Apple since 2001 and has been instrumental in the development of various product lines, including the iPad and AirPods. He was promoted to senior vice president of hardware engineering in 2021, showcasing his significant contributions to the company.

As part of the leadership reshuffle, Apple has also appointed Johny Srouji as the chief hardware officer, effective immediately. Srouji, who previously served as Apple’s senior vice president of hardware technologies, will take on an expanded role overseeing hardware engineering and the hardware technologies organization.

During his tenure, Cook has overseen the launch of groundbreaking products such as the Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple Vision Pro, significantly enhancing Apple’s service offerings, which have grown to become a more than $100 billion business.

Cook expressed his thoughts on his departure, stating, "It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be the CEO of Apple and to have been trusted to lead such an extraordinary company. I love Apple with all of my being, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with a team of such ingenious, innovative, creative, and deeply caring people."

He further praised Ternus, saying, "John Ternus has the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and honor. I could not be more confident in his abilities and his character. I look forward to working closely with him on this transition and in my new role as executive chairman."

In his statement, Ternus expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead Apple, saying, "I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple’s mission forward. I have been lucky to have worked under Steve Jobs and to have had Tim Cook as my mentor. I am filled with optimism about what we can achieve in the years to come."

Both Cook and Ternus have communicated their plans to Apple staff, emphasizing the importance of continuity and teamwork during this transition period. Ternus has also announced that Tom Marieb, currently serving as Apple’s vice president of product integrity in hardware engineering, will step up as the head of hardware engineering, reporting directly to Srouji. Marieb will be tasked with executing Apple's ambitious product roadmap.

This leadership change comes after reports last year indicated that Cook might step down in 2026, with Ternus being the frontrunner for the position. As Cook continues to guide the company through the summer, he will work closely with Ternus to ensure a smooth transition for Apple, a company that has continually set the standard for innovation in technology.

With Ternus at the helm, Apple is expected to continue its legacy of technological advancements and service excellence, as he brings over two decades of experience and a deep understanding of the company's ethos.

Source: The Verge News