John Ternus Becomes Apple CEO on September 1, 2026

John Ternus officially became the chief executive officer of Apple on September 1, 2026, succeeding Tim Cook, who concluded a 15-year tenure leading the technology giant. The transition, announced earlier in the year and unanimously approved by the board, marks the end of a carefully planned succession. Cook, who joined Apple in 1998 and took over as CEO in 2011 following the resignation of co-founder Steve Jobs, will remain with the company as executive chairman.

In a final memo to employees sent on his last day as CEO, Cook expressed deep gratitude and reflected on his time at the helm. "This is a moment I always knew would come one day, and yet it is still hard to believe it has arrived," he wrote. Cook emphasized the collective effort of the team, stating, "The truth is, whatever there is to say about my success, I know it is all because of you." He also voiced strong confidence in his successor, noting, "I take enormous comfort in handing the helm to someone as brilliant and wonderful and capable as John. Few people understand what it takes to build products that change the world the way John does and I could not be more excited for his leadership."