CUPERTINO, CA – Tim Cook, the long-serving chief executive officer of Apple, is set to transition to the role of executive chairman of the company's board of directors, effective September 1, 2026. This move marks a significant leadership change, with John Ternus, a prominent hardware engineering executive, slated to take over as the new Apple CEO.
Rather than a complete departure, Apple's board has structured this change as a strategic handover, ensuring that Cook's extensive experience and relationships continue to benefit the company. He is expected to remain deeply involved in select strategic initiatives, working with governments, policymakers, and regulators globally.
John Ternus to Lead Day-to-Day Operations
With Cook moving into his new role, John Ternus will assume responsibility for Apple's day-to-day operational control. Ternus, widely recognized as an architect behind many of Apple's recent product launches, brings a strong background in hardware engineering to the CEO position.
Boardroom Changes: Levinson to Lead Independent Director
Accompanying these leadership changes, Arthur Levinson, Apple’s current board chairman, will step down from that role once Ternus joins the board on September 1. Levinson will transition to the position of lead independent director, maintaining an important oversight function on the board while remaining independent from Apple's management.
A Planned Succession for Continued Growth
Apple has described this transition as the culmination of a long-term succession process, which received unanimous approval from its board of directors. Cook, who succeeded Steve Jobs as CEO in 2011, has expressed that leading Apple was the greatest privilege of his career, praising his exceptional team. His move to executive chairman will maintain his vital connection to the company as it embarks on this new chapter.