Apple names John Ternus CEO: Tim Cook moves to executive chairman

Apple is changing hands at the top. John Ternus will become chief executive officer on September 1, while Tim Cook moves into the executive chairman role after Apple laid out the succession plan on April 20, 2026. It’s the company’s biggest leadership change since Cook took over from co-founder Steve Jobs.

Over 15 years, Cook turned Apple from a company worth about $350 billion into one valued at more than $4 trillion. He also expanded the business well beyond the iPhone, building up wearables, subscriptions, and services along the way.

Ternus has been at Apple for 25 years and most recently served as Apple’s hardware chief. He helped lead development across the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and he was deeply involved in the shift from Intel chips to Apple Silicon. That suggests Apple may tilt more toward product and engineering under his watch, while Cook stays on to provide continuity on regulation, policy, and the company’s global relationships.

The shake-up doesn’t end there. Reports that Apple Fellow Phil Schiller is stepping back from some App Store and event duties add another layer to it. Ternus also gets his first big test almost immediately at Apple’s September 9 event, where reports say the company is expected to unveil new iPhones, a foldable device, and a revamped Siri, all while pressure in China and supply-chain risks keep growing.

If you follow Apple, keep an eye on this. A smooth handover could shape the company for years.

You can watch Apple’s September 9 event on Apple’s website, Apple TV, and YouTube.