Tim Cook Is Stepping Down

Tim Cook is officially stepping down as CEO of Apple. The company announced yesterday, April 20, 2026, that he will transition to the role of Executive Chairman of the board.  

Here are the key details of the transition:

• Effective Date: Cook will formally hand over the CEO duties on September 1, 2026.  

• Successor: John Ternus, currently Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, has been named the next CEO.  

• Transition Period: Cook will remain CEO throughout the summer of 2026 to work closely with Ternus on a smooth leadership handoff.  

• Future Role: As Executive Chairman, Cook will focus on government affairs, engaging with policymakers worldwide, and providing strategic guidance to the board. This move marks the end of an era for Apple; by the time he steps aside in September, Cook will have served as CEO for exactly 15 years, having taken over from Steve Jobs in August 2011. Cook noted in an open letter that while this is a major transition, it is “not goodbye,” as he plans to remain deeply involved with the company’s future direction.