Apple names John Ternus as new CEO as Tim Cook steps down

Apple has announced that veteran hardware engineer John Ternus will succeed Tim Cook as CEO, marking a significant leadership transition for the $4 trillion technology giant. The change takes effect September 1, 2026, after Cook's nearly 15-year tenure at the helm of the iPhone maker. Ternus, 51, has been with Apple for over two decades and currently serves as senior vice president of Hardware Engineering. He played crucial roles in developing major products including the iPhone, iPad, and Mac computers. The transition comes at a pivotal moment for Apple as the company faces increasing competition in the smartphone market, regulatory scrutiny over its App Store practices, and challenges in expanding its services business. Industry analysts suggest Ternus's deep technical expertise could signal a renewed focus on hardware innovation, while his operational experience positions him to maintain Apple's supply chain efficiency. Cook, who previously served as Apple's chief operating officer, will remain involved with the company as chairman of the board. The succession plan has been in development for several years, according to sources familiar with Apple's board deliberations.