Apple has announced a major leadership change, naming John Ternus as its next chief executive officer, while Tim Cook will transition to executive chairman on Sept. 1.
The move marks the first CEO change at the company in over a decade and signals a new chapter for one of the world's most valuable tech giants.
The decision was approved by Apple's board, with Ternus also set to join the board of directors when he officially takes over.
Cook will remain CEO through the summer to ensure a smooth transition, working closely with his successor during the handover period.
In a statement, Cook reflected on his time leading the company, calling it "the greatest privilege" of his life.
He added that he has deep trust in Ternus, describing him as the right person to guide Apple forward.
Ternus, in turn, said he is "humbled" by the opportunity and committed to continuing the company's values and vision, USA Today reported.
Ternus, 50, has spent nearly half his life at Apple, joining the company in 2001.
As senior vice president of hardware engineering, he has overseen the development of major products, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, and Vision Pro.
His long track record and deep involvement in Apple's core products made him a widely expected choice for the role.
Apple taps John Ternus as CEO to replace Tim Cook, who will become chairman @EuropeEarlyCNBC https://t.co/NzGjpILlEn
— Tom Looby ☘️ (@mapocoloco) April 20, 2026
Read more: Apple Offers Massive Bonuses to iPhone Design Team to Stop Talent Poaching by OpenAI, Rivals
Apple Faces New Challenges
The leadership change comes at a critical time. According to CNBC, while Apple has seen massive growth under Cook — including a market value that climbed dramatically and annual revenue reaching over $400 billion — the company now faces new challenges.
These include supply chain pressures, global political tensions, and rising competition in artificial intelligence.
One of Ternus' biggest tasks will be pushing Apple further into AI innovation, an area where critics say the company has lagged behind competitors.
Apple has already hinted at future updates, including improvements to its voice assistant and broader AI integration across devices.
Cook's move to executive chairman means he will still play an important role, helping guide strategy and offering continuity during the transition.
His leadership since 2011 helped stabilize and grow Apple after the era of Steve Jobs, including expanding into wearables and services.
Alongside the CEO shift, Johny Srouji will take on an expanded role as chief hardware officer, stepping into responsibilities previously held by Ternus.
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