Apple Inc. has revealed a significant leadership transition, with John Ternus slated to become the company's next Chief Executive Officer. Ternus, currently the senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, will officially take the helm on September 1, 2026. This move will see current CEO Tim Cook transition to the role of executive chairman of Apple's board of directors.
The Leadership Transition
The announcement, made on Monday, follows what Apple described as a comprehensive, long-term succession planning process. The decision for Ternus to succeed Cook received unanimous approval from the board of directors. Tim Cook will remain in his CEO role through the summer months, working closely with Ternus to ensure a seamless handover of responsibilities.
In his new capacity as executive chairman, Cook is expected to continue engaging with global policymakers and assist with specific strategic aspects of the company. His shift marks the end of a remarkable 15-year tenure as CEO, during which he guided Apple through unprecedented growth and innovation.
Who is John Ternus?
John Ternus brings a quarter-century of experience at Apple to his new role. He initially joined Apple's product design team in 2001 and steadily rose through the ranks, becoming a vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2013 and joining the executive team as senior vice president in 2021.
Ternus has played a pivotal role in the development of many of Apple's most iconic hardware products. His influence is evident across generations of the iPad, AirPods, various iPhone models—including the recent iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, and the innovative iPhone Air—as well as Mac computers and the Apple Watch. Notably, his team spearheaded advancements in AirPods, transforming them into a sophisticated all-in-one hearing health system.
Beyond product design, Ternus has been central to Apple's commitment to durability, repairability, and sustainable materials. This includes the integration of recycled aluminum compounds across multiple product lines and the use of 3D-printed titanium in devices like the Apple Watch Ultra 3. He holds a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.
Cook's Legacy and Farewell
Reflecting on his time leading one of the world's most valuable companies, Tim Cook expressed profound gratitude. "It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be the CEO of Apple and to have been trusted to lead such an extraordinary company," Cook stated. He lauded the ingenuity, innovation, creativity, and dedication of the Apple team, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to enriching customer lives and creating world-class products and services.
Looking Ahead
John Ternus acknowledged the weight of his new responsibility, stating, "I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple's mission forward. Having spent almost my entire career at Apple, I have been lucky to have worked under Steve Jobs and to have had Tim Cook as my mentor." Ternus will also join the board of directors on September 1, 2026. Concurrently, Arthur Levinson, who has served as Apple's non-executive chairman for 15 years, will become lead independent director on the same date.