Apple’s long-time CEO. Tim Cook. Has confirmed he will step down from his role in September 2026, with John Ternus set to take over as the new CEO, though the change, first reported by the Financial Times in November 2025, comes after years of speculation and internal preparations within the company.

The Road to Transition

Despite Cook’s denial of retirement plans in a March 2026 interview with Good Morning America, where he stated he could not imagine life without Apple, the decision had already been made at higher levels of the company. The transition is part of a broader succession plan that began in 2025, including reassignments such as Jeff Williams moving to the role of chief operating officer and Jennifer Newstead becoming general counsel in March 2026.

According to TechCrunch, the formal transition will give Ternus several months to prepare before leading key events, such as the launch of the iPhone 18 — this timeline aligns with Apple’s strategy to ensure a smooth leadership change without disrupting product development and market operations.

John Ternus: A Proven Leader

John Ternus. 50, currently leads Apple’s Hardware Engineering division, overseeing the development of Macs, iPads, iPhones, and related technologies — his profile as a strong internal candidate had been noted in the months leading up to the announcement. In late 2025. Ternus was also given additional responsibility for Apple’s design teams, further solidifying his role as the likely successor.

Ternus’ career at Apple has been marked by innovation, including contributions to the development of the iPad, Mac, and AirPods. He is set to be succeeded as Hardware Chief by Johny Srouji, who has led Apple’s chip development and helped the company transition away from Intel chips to its own silicon, enhancing performance and cross-device compatibility.

Cook’s Legacy and Future Role

Tim Cook has led Apple since 2011, taking over from the late Steve Jobs. Under his leadership, Apple’s market capitalization has grown from around $400 billion to nearly $4 trillion. Cook’s tenure has seen the company expand into new markets, including smartwatches, data glasses, and the development of high-performance mobile devices.

While stepping down as CEO, Cook will continue to play a role in the company as Executive Chairman, a position that grants influence over strategic decisions. This move follows similar transitions in other major corporations, where former CEOs take on advisory or oversight roles after stepping down from the top executive position.

The transition of leadership highlights Apple’s focus on internal succession planning and the importance of continuity in maintaining its technological and market leadership. With Ternus at the helm, Apple aims to build on its legacy while handling the evolving landscape of consumer technology.