Tim Cook steps down as Apple CEO after 15 years, Ternus takes charge

Tim Cook has stepped down as Apple’s chief executive after 15 years at the helm, handing the company’s top executive role to John Ternus while remaining involved as its executive chairman.

Cook, 65, formally left the CEO position after leading Apple since taking over from co-founder Steve Jobs in 2011. He will continue to serve on the company’s board as executive chairman.

Ternus assumed the CEO role on September 1 after nearly 25 years at Apple, most recently serving as senior vice president of Hardware Engineering. He joined the company’s product design team and went on to oversee several major hardware programmes before reaching its top leadership ranks.

In a farewell message to employees on his final day as CEO, Cook described his 15 years leading Apple as one of the great privileges of his life. He thanked employees for their support and said it would be difficult to put into words how much he would miss serving as CEO.

Under Cook, Apple expanded beyond its iPhone-driven business, launching products including the Apple Watch, AirPods and Apple Vision Pro while significantly growing its services and hardware operations. During his tenure, Apple also became one of the world’s most valuable technology companies.

Ternus now faces an early test as Apple prepares for a major product cycle. The company is expected to unveil products including the iPhone 18 Pro, a new Apple Watch and its first foldable iPhone, with expectations high for the new CEO to maintain momentum after Cook’s long tenure.

Ternus said his entire career had been shaped at Apple and credited both Jobs and Cook for influencing his leadership. He has pledged to preserve Apple’s long-standing values and vision while taking the company into its next phase.