Tim Cook has announced plans to step down as CEO of Apple, revealing in a public letter that he will transition into the role of executive chairman, effective September. At 65, Cook described the move as a new chapter after years of leading the company.
He confirmed that John Ternus, a longtime engineer who has spent over two decades at Apple, will take over as CEO. Ternus has played a key role in the development of Apple’s major hardware products, including the iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, and AirPods, signaling a continued emphasis on hardware innovation.
Cook originally succeeded Steve Jobs and brought a markedly different leadership style, less showmanship, and more operational precision. Under his guidance, Apple strengthened its global supply chain, introduced its own line of chips, and expanded beyond devices into a robust services ecosystem, including Apple TV, Apple News, and Apple Pay.
During his tenure, Apple’s growth surged, driven largely by the iPhone’s dominance, pushing the company’s valuation to roughly $4 trillion. Cook also made history in 2014 as the first openly gay CEO of a Fortune 500 company, a moment widely seen as significant for representation in corporate leadership.
Reflecting on his time at Apple, Cook shared how meaningful it was to hear directly from users whose lives were impacted by Apple products, from capturing personal milestones to life-saving moments enabled by devices like the Apple Watch. He expressed deep appreciation for having led a company that continues to inspire creativity and shape everyday experiences.
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