Apple executive chairman and former CEO Tim Cook has paid tribute to the company’s co-founder Steve Jobs on the 15th anniversary of his death, describing the Apple visionary as someone who ‘changed’ his life forever. Cook shared the message on X on October 5, remembering Jobs’ influence not only on Apple and the technology industry but also on the people who worked closely with him.
The anniversary comes at a notable moment for Apple. Jobs died on October 5, 2011, at the age of 56, just weeks after stepping down as Apple CEO and recommending Cook as his successor. This year also marks the first Jobs anniversary since John Ternus took over as Apple’s CEO, with Cook moving into the executive chairman role.
Cook’s annual tribute focused on Jobs' lasting personal impact on him. He described Jobs as someone who went beyond leaving a mark on the world, saying his influence extended to ‘so many lives' and permanently changed Cook’s own life.
Cook has frequently remembered Jobs on the anniversary of his death, continuing a tradition that has become part of Apple’s yearly remembrance of its late co-founder. His latest message also highlighted the lasting influence of Jobs’ work and the people he inspired.
Apple CEO John Ternus also shared a message marking the anniversary. Unlike Cook’s broader reflection, Ternus focused on the principles Jobs brought to Apple’s working culture, particularly his attention to detail and the experience of users and employees.
Ternus said the lessons Jobs taught about caring for “every detail, every experience, every person” continue to guide Apple’s work. He ended his message by thanking Jobs for his contribution to the company.
Jobs died shortly after Apple unveiled the iPhone 4s, marking a major transition for the company. His tenure at Apple produced products including the iMac, iPod, iPhone and iPad, while his emphasis on design, simplicity and the integration of hardware and software became closely associated with Apple’s identity.
Apple has continued to preserve Jobs’ legacy through its long-running “Remembering Steve” memorial page, which includes messages from more than one million people. Fifteen years after his death, tributes from both Cook and Ternus show that his influence remains closely tied to Apple’s culture and product philosophy.