Tim Cook Steps Down as Apple CEO, Successor John Ternus Takes Helm

Tim Cook is stepping down as Apple's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on September 1, 2026, after a remarkable 15-year tenure marked by record growth and massive shareholder returns.

Cook's leadership redefined Apple beyond its iconic iPhone, successfully pivoting the company towards a robust services ecosystem. This expansion included the launch and growth of offerings such as Apple Pay, Apple Music, Apple TV+, and iCloud+.

Under Cook's stewardship, Apple's market capitalisation soared from approximately $350 billion in 2011 to briefly crossing the $5 trillion mark in July 2026. The company's stock surged over 28 times its value during his tenure, from an average of $11-$14 per share to $319.70.

John Ternus, Apple's hardware chief and Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering since 2021, will succeed Cook as CEO. Cook himself has expressed profound confidence in Ternus, highlighting his engineering prowess, innovative spirit, and integrity.