John Ternus becomes Apple CEO on September 1, 2026, while Tim Cook moves into the role of executive chairman after leading the company for 15 years.
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Apple has a new chief executive officer. John Ternus becomes CEO of the technology company on September 1, 2026, replacing Tim Cook. Cook is not leaving Apple. Instead, he becomes executive chairman of the company's board. The change is one of the most important leadership transitions at Apple since Cook became CEO in 2011.
Apple announced the plan in April after its board approved the change. The company said it was the result of a long-term plan for choosing its next leader. Cook continued working as CEO through the summer and worked closely with Ternus to prepare for the handover.
Ternus has spent about 25 years at Apple. Before becoming CEO, he was senior vice president of Hardware Engineering. That job gave him responsibility for major parts of the physical design and engineering of Apple products. He has worked on products such as the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch.
Ternus is an engineer by training. Before joining Apple, he worked as a mechanical engineer. He studied mechanical engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. Apple has described him as a leader with deep technical knowledge and a strong focus on building high-quality products.
His background is important because Apple is both a software and hardware company. People often think about iOS, apps, and online services, but Apple's success also depends on the design of its devices, chips, batteries, cameras, screens, and many other physical parts. Ternus has spent much of his career working directly in this area.
Tim Cook led Apple for 15 years after taking over from co-founder Steve Jobs in 2011. During Cook's time as CEO, Apple grew into one of the world's most valuable companies. It introduced new products, expanded services such as Apple Music and Apple TV+, moved more deeply into custom chip design, and built a large business around iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, and other devices.
Cook will now serve as executive chairman. This means he will remain a senior leader and will help with some important company matters. Apple said he will also continue to work with policymakers around the world. His experience may help Ternus during the early period of the new leadership.
The new CEO faces several big challenges. Apple must continue to compete in artificial intelligence, smartphones, computers, services, and wearable technology. It also has to manage complex supply chains across many countries. Governments in the United States, Europe, and other regions are paying close attention to large technology companies, so legal and regulatory issues are also important.
Artificial intelligence may be one of the biggest questions for Ternus. Technology companies are spending large amounts of money to build new AI systems and products. Apple must decide how quickly to add AI features while protecting privacy, safety, battery life, and the simple user experience that many customers expect.
Another challenge is keeping Apple's products exciting. Many people already own good smartphones, tablets, and computers, so they may not need to replace them every year. Apple therefore needs new ideas that give customers a clear reason to upgrade or buy a new type of device.
Ternus also takes over at a time when Apple is thinking about environmental goals, repair, recycled materials, and the long life of its products. Apple says he has already worked on improvements in durability and materials. These areas may continue to be important under his leadership.
A new CEO does not mean Apple will suddenly become a different company. Large companies usually change slowly, especially when the new leader has worked there for many years. Ternus already knows Apple's teams, products, and culture. Still, every CEO brings different priorities and a different style.
For Apple customers and investors, the next few years will show what Ternus wants his leadership to mean. Tim Cook's move to executive chairman gives the company continuity, while Ternus brings a strong engineering background to the top job. September 1 therefore begins a new chapter for one of the world's best-known technology companies.
Fact-checked with Apple's official Newsroom announcement dated April 20, 2026, effective September 1, 2026. Article length: 661 words.
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