Apple Reveals Compensation Plans for Tim Cook and John Ternus

Apple has revealed its compensation plans for Tim Cook and John Ternus in the wake of the company's leadership transition. The arrangements combine fixed salaries with restricted stock awards, with target values representing equity rather than additional fixed salaries.

John Ternus, who took over as Apple's CEO on September 1, 2026, will receive an annual salary of $3 million (approximately ₹28 crore) from that date. He also received a prorated restricted stock unit award for his chief executive service in fiscal 2026, with a target value of $2.5 million (₹23.6 crore). Additionally, Ternus is set to receive an annual equity award in fiscal 2027, worth $55 million (₹519 crore), although this figure represents the targeted equity value rather than his fixed annual salary.

The performance conditions for 75% of Ternus' annual equity award are tied to Apple's total shareholder return against S&P 500 companies. The remaining 25% will be paid out over time through RSUs, with units vesting semi-annually in equal 12.5% instalments over four years.

Tim Cook, who became the executive chair of Apple's board during the leadership transition, will receive an annual salary of $2 million (approximately ₹19 crore) from September 26, 2026. He also received an equity award for fiscal 2027, with a target value of $45 million (₹425 crore). Half of this award is performance-based and dependent on Apple's shareholder return compared to S&P 500 companies, while the other half is time-based and will vest semi-annually in equal 12.5% instalments over four years.