Tim Cook Stepping Down as Apple CEO in September 2026

Apple has announced that CEO Tim Cook is stepping down.

The tech giant revealed the leadership shakeup today, plotting a course for Cook to leave his position after 15 years in the role. Senior vice president of hardware engineering John Ternus will take over as CEO September 1, 2026.

Cook will continue to lead Apple through the summer to ensure a smooth transition process following the decision, which was unanimously approved by the company’s board of directors. He will then become executive chairman of its board of directors.

"It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be the CEO of Apple and to have been trusted to lead such an extraordinary company,” Cook said in a statement. “I love Apple with all of my being, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with a team of such ingenious, innovative, creative, and deeply caring people who have been unwavering in their dedication to enriching the lives of our customers and creating the best products and services in the world."

He continued: "John Ternus has the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and with honor. He is a visionary whose contributions to Apple over 25 years are already too numerous to count, and he is without question the right person to lead Apple into the future. I could not be more confident in his abilities and his character, and I look forward to working closely with him on this transition and in my new role as executive chairman."

Cook first joined Apple in 1998 and has helped bring products like Apple TV, Apple Music, Apple Watch, and more to market in the years since. While also serving as the face of the iPhone company, it has grown by more than 100,000 employees and added to its installed base by more than 2.5 billion devices.

Ternus’ career path at Apple follows a similar trajectory, as he joined in 2001 before assuming his position as vice president of hardware engineering in 2013. The company says he was instrumental in products like the iPad and AirPods, while also helping to make the Mac what it is today. Most recently, his work at Apple saw him aiding with the launch of the iPhone 17 line, as well as the iPhone Air.

"I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple’s mission forward," Ternus said. "Having spent almost my entire career at Apple, I have been lucky to have worked under Steve Jobs and to have had Tim Cook as my mentor. It has been a privilege to help shape the products and experiences that have changed so much of how we interact with the world and with one another. I am filled with optimism about what we can achieve in the years to come, and I am so happy to know that the most talented people on earth are here at Apple, determined to be part of something bigger than any one of us. I am humbled to step into this role, and I promise to lead with the values and vision that have come to define this special place for half a century."

As the transition begins, non-executive chairman Arthur Levinson is also set to undergo a change. When Cook takes over as executive chairman of the board of directors, Levinson will become lead independent director. Cook said he would like to thank Levinson for the last 15 years of his work, adding that he looks "forward to working with him in my new role."

Cook signed off with a more personal letter shared on the Apple website. In it, he thanks the tech community for their support since he took over as CEO in 2011 while reassuring them that Ternus is "the perfect person for the job."

"John cares so much about who we are at Apple, what we do at Apple, who we reach at Apple, and he has the heart and character to lead with extraordinary integrity," Cook said. "I am so proud to call him Apple’s next CEO. This company will reach such incredible heights under his leadership, and you will feel his impact in every bit of delight and discovery that grows out of the products and services to come. I can’t wait for you to get to know him like I do."

Photo by Alberto Rodriguez/Variety via Getty Images.

Photo by Adam Gray/Bloomberg via Getty Images.

Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He's best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).