News
Apple · CEO Succession · John Ternus · Tim Cook
Tim Cook will transition from his role as Apple CEO to executive chairman of the board on September 1, 2026, as part of a carefully planned succession strategy, with John Ternus, the current Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, set to become the new chief executive.
Cook will continue as CEO through the summer months of 2026, working closely with Ternus to ensure a smooth leadership handover. In his new executive chairman role, Cook will remain involved in key areas, including engaging with policymakers globally.
John Ternus, an Apple insider since 2001, holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Pennsylvania and has been instrumental in developing major product lines such as iPhone, Mac, iPad, AirPods, and Apple Watch. Cook praised Ternus as a visionary with the "mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and with honor." Ternus's estimated net worth is $75 million to $100 million, with a base salary of approximately $1 million and total compensation exceeding $20 million.
This leadership change aims to maintain Apple's trajectory of record profits.
