Tim Cook has officially concluded his remarkable 15-year tenure as the CEO of Apple, bidding an emotional farewell to the company and its community on August 31, 2026. Cook, who succeeded co-founder Steve Jobs in August 2011, shared a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter) expressing his gratitude.
“Sending lots of love to the Apple community on my last day as CEO. My title changes tomorrow, but the love I have for the Apple community never will. Thank you for being a constant source of inspiration. My gratitude is endless, and I’m excited for the next chapter!” Cook wrote.
Cook's Enduring Legacy at Apple
During his leadership, Tim Cook oversaw a period of unprecedented growth and diversification for the technology giant. Under his stewardship, Apple significantly expanded its presence across hardware, software, and services. Key product lines like the Apple Watch and AirPods were introduced and flourished, while the services business became a crucial revenue driver.
Cook's tenure also saw Apple achieve historic market valuations, becoming the world's most valuable company. He championed initiatives in critical areas such as user privacy, environmental sustainability, and the diversification of Apple's global supply chain, solidifying the company's reputation beyond just product innovation.
John Ternus Steps Up as New CEO
Effective September 1, 2026, John Ternus will officially take over as Apple's new CEO. Ternus, who has served as Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, brings over two decades of experience with the company to the top role. His appointment follows a long-term succession planning process unanimously approved by Apple's board earlier this year.
Ternus has been instrumental in the development of numerous generations of iconic Apple products, including the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. His leadership is expected to bring a strong focus on hardware and engineering as Apple navigates the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and future product development.