Change of Leadership at Apple Apple CEO Tim Cook Hands Over to Hardware Engineer John Ternus

Source: Press release | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

Apple has announced a change of leadership at the top of the company. From September 1, 2026, John Ternus, currently Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, will take over the position of CEO. Tim Cook will chair the Board of Directors.

In September 2026, John Ternus (left) takes over the role of Apple CEO Tim Cook (right). Cook in turn becomes Executive Chairman of the Apple Board of Directors.(Image: Apple Inc.)
In September 2026, John Ternus (left) takes over the role of Apple CEO Tim Cook (right). Cook in turn becomes Executive Chairman of the Apple Board of Directors.
(Image: Apple Inc.)

Apple is making a change in leadership that had been hinted at for some time: John Ternus will become the company's new CEO on September 1, 2026, as announced on April 20, 2026. Ternus takes over from Tim Cook, who has been at the helm of Apple since 2011. Cook is moving to the role of Executive Chairman and will chair the Board of Directors in future.

Ternus has been with Apple for 25 years and has been Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering since 2021. In his previous role, he was responsible for the development of all Apple hardware products. In the press release, Cook described Ternus as a "brilliant engineer" with the integrity and vision to lead Apple into the future.

Ternus was instrumental in ensuring that the company focused on areas such as reliability and durability.(Image: Apple Inc.)
Ternus was instrumental in ensuring that the company focused on areas such as reliability and durability.
(Image: Apple Inc.)

The transition was unanimously approved by the Board of Directors and is the result of long-term succession planning. Cook will remain in office as CEO until the official changeover in September to ensure a smooth transition. In his new role as Executive Chairman, he will support the company on strategic issues and in discussions with international decision-makers, among other things.

Alongside the change in CEO, Apple has announced further changes to its management structure: Arthur Levinson, previously Chairman of the Board, will become Lead Independent Director. Johny Srouji, previously Senior Vice President of Hardware Technologies, will take on the newly created position of Chief Hardware Officer. Ternus will join the Board of Directors.

Cook took over Apple from co-founder Steve Jobs in 2011 and has turned the company into the most valuable technology group in the world over the past 15 years. (sb)

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