Cupertino: Apple has entered a new leadership era as Tim Cook steps down as CEO after 15 years at the helm, handing the company’s top executive position to longtime hardware chief John Ternus.
The leadership transition took effect on September 1, 2026, just eight days before Apple’s highly anticipated September 9 product launch event. Cook, who succeeded Steve Jobs as Apple CEO in 2011, will remain closely associated with the company as executive chairman of Apple’s board.
John Ternus Becomes Apple CEO
Ternus, a veteran Apple executive who previously served as senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, is taking over at a crucial moment for the technology giant.
He joined Apple in 2001 and has played a major role in the development of several of the company’s key hardware products. His appointment was announced by Apple in April following a board-approved succession plan.
The transition marks Apple’s first change at the CEO level since Cook succeeded Steve Jobs in 2011.
Tim Cook’s 15-Year Apple Legacy
Cook’s tenure transformed Apple into one of the world’s most valuable companies. During his leadership, Apple expanded beyond the iPhone into major product categories and services, including the Apple Watch, AirPods, Apple silicon and Vision Pro, while significantly expanding its services business.
Apple’s market value also grew dramatically during Cook’s tenure, with the company becoming a global technology and consumer-services powerhouse.
Although Cook is leaving the CEO position, he is not leaving Apple. As executive chairman, he is expected to continue working with the company on selected strategic matters and policymaker engagement.
September 9 Apple Event Will Be Ternus’ First Major Test
The timing of the leadership change has attracted considerable attention because Ternus will take charge just days before Apple’s major September 9 product launch event.
Apple has confirmed the event under the tagline “Surprise and Shine.” It will be held at the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park in California.
The event is expected to feature new iPhone models, while reports and industry speculation point to the possible debut of Apple’s first foldable iPhone. The company is also expected to introduce other hardware and software updates.
For Ternus, the event could serve as his first major public test as Apple’s new chief executive.
Apple Begins a New Chapter
The change represents more than a routine executive transition. Cook’s departure from the CEO role closes a 15-year chapter in Apple’s history, while Ternus begins his tenure at a time when the company is facing intense competition in artificial intelligence, smartphones and emerging device categories.
With the September 9 launch approaching, global attention will now focus on how Ternus presents Apple’s next generation of products and whether the new leadership can maintain the momentum built during Cook’s long tenure.
The September event is therefore expected to be watched not only for Apple’s new products, but also as the first major showcase of the post-Cook era.
