Tim Cook Steps Down as Apple CEO, Names Hardware Chief John Ternus as Successor

Apple announced on April 21, 2026, that Tim Cook will step down as CEO on September 1, handing the role to John Ternus, the company's longtime hardware chief.

Cook will transition to executive chairman. Ternus, who has led Apple's hardware engineering for years, will become CEO. Apple is also reorganizing its hardware group into five major areas under Johny Srouji, who has been named chief hardware officer.

Cook took over as Apple CEO in August 2011, following Steve Jobs' resignation. Under his leadership, Apple became the world's most valuable company, launched the Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple Silicon chips, and expanded its services business into a major revenue driver.

Ternus has been at Apple since 2001 and has overseen the development of the iPhone, Mac, and iPad hardware lines. He is widely credited with leading the transition to Apple Silicon, which replaced Intel processors in Mac computers starting in 2020.

The leadership change comes as Apple faces increasing competition in AI from Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. Apple has been slower than rivals to integrate large language models into its products, though the company has been building out its AI capabilities under the Apple Intelligence brand.

Apple is also navigating a major product transition. The company is expected to launch its first foldable iPhone in 2026 or 2027, and is working on augmented reality glasses and a home robot.

The announcement sent Apple shares lower in after-hours trading. Analysts said the transition was well-managed but noted that Ternus will face immediate pressure to accelerate Apple's AI strategy and deliver on the foldable iPhone.

Cook's tenure lasted nearly 15 years. He is expected to remain involved in Apple's strategic direction as executive chairman.