08/19/2026
Apple is entering a major new chapter. After 15 years as CEO, Tim Cook will step down on September 1, 2026, with longtime hardware engineering chief John Ternus taking over as CEO. Cook will remain involved as executive chairman of Apple’s board. During Cook’s tenure, Apple became one of the world’s most valuable companies and introduced products including Apple Watch, AirPods, Vision Pro and major new services. Ternus is viewed as more of a product-focused leader, potentially signalling a renewed emphasis on hardware innovation at Apple.