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Tim Cook steps down as Apple CEO; John Ternus to take over on Sept 1, 2026
Apple announces Tim Cook will step down as CEO and become executive chairman. John Ternus, Apple’s head of hardware engineering, will assume the CEO role on September 1, 2026, with Tom Marieb named to take over Ternus’s duties immediately.
Why It Matters
The leadership transition at a major tech company could influence Apple's strategy and product direction while signaling a shift in its corporate governance.
Timeline
5 Events
John Ternus named Apple CEO for September 1, 2026 start
September 1, 2026
John Ternus is set to take over as Apple CEO on September 1, 2026.
Ternus steps away from current role to hand to Tom Marieb
April 20, 2026
John Ternus informed Apple employees that he would be stepping away from his current role immediately, handing the reins to Tom Marieb.
Tim Cook announces stepping down as Apple CEO
April 20, 2026
Tim Cook announced he would step down as Apple CEO. He will become executive chairman, and John Ternus, Apple’s chief of hardware engineering, will take over the CEO role on September 1, 2026.
Tim Cook becomes Apple CEO
2011
Tim Cook became Apple CEO in 2011 and has led the company for over 15 years.
Tim Cook joins Apple
1998
Tim Cook joined Apple in 1998.