Tim Cook stepped down as Apple CEO on August 31 after 15 years, ending a leadership era shaped by growth, culture, and global expansion. Cook handed the role to John Ternus at Apple in Cupertino, while moving into executive chairman duties.
The planned transition marked Apple’s biggest leadership change since Steve Jobs’ era and kept Cook involved strategically.
In his final memo, Cook thanked Apple employees and honored Steve Jobs, who hired him in 1998. He credited the workforce for Apple’s achievements and described leading the company as “the privilege of a lifetime.” Cook also wrote that the team had helped Apple leave its “dent in the universe,” echoing Jobs’ vision.
Cook became Apple CEO in 2011, only weeks before Jobs died from pancreatic cancer. His tenure expanded Apple’s services business and strengthened its hardware ecosystem across major product categories. Apple’s market value also crossed $4.5 trillion during Cook’s final day as CEO.
The outgoing Apple CEO praised Ternus as a capable leader with deep knowledge of product development. Ternus joined Apple in 2001 and later became senior vice president of Hardware Engineering. His promotion shifted Apple’s leadership toward an executive closely tied to product engineering.
Ternus faced an immediate test after taking charge on September 1. Apple prepared for its September 9 product event, which was expected to feature new iPhone models. The company also faced pressure around artificial intelligence, advanced chips, supply chains, and Washington policy.
Cook remained connected to Apple as executive chairman after leaving the CEO role. His new position was expected to include high-level strategy and engagement with policymakers. The handover closed one chapter while keeping Cook involved as Apple entered a more challenging technology cycle.
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