Ternus Inherits $4.6 Trillion Apple Empire from Cook

Tim Cook's tenure as Apple CEO is coming to an end after nearly 15 years. During his time, the company's stock has seen a remarkable surge of 2,275% since he took over from Steve Jobs in August 2011. When accounting for dividends, the shares have climbed an even more impressive 2,736%. Cook built Apple into a diverse business that sells not only iPhones and Mac computers but also watches, AirPods, and financial services.

The new CEO, John Ternus, will face his first major test next week when he's expected to unveil a foldable version of the iPhone. Experts say Ternus' ideal strategy would be to blend Cook's steady approach with Jobs' innovative spirit. 'The push into services is perhaps the most successful thing Cook did,' said Allen Bond, managing director and portfolio manager at Jensen Investment Management.

Cook oversaw a significant rise in revenue, from $157 billion in fiscal 2012 to an expected $477 billion by the end of September 2026. Apple Services generated over $109 billion in fiscal 2025, more than a quarter of the company's total sales. However, Cook has also faced criticism for missing opportunities in artificial intelligence.