Apple Inc. has appointed John Ternus as its next Chief Executive Officer, marking a major leadership transition at the $4 trillion tech giant.
Ternus will assume the role on September 1, 2026, succeeding Tim Cook, who will move into the position of executive chairman after more than a decade at the helm.
The company said the appointment was unanimously approved by its board following a long-term succession plan. Cook will remain CEO through the summer, working closely with Ternus to ensure a seamless handover.
Ternus brings over two decades of experience within Apple, having joined the company’s product design team in 2001. He rose through the ranks to become Vice President of Hardware Engineering in 2013 and was later elevated to Senior Vice President in 2021.
Over the years, he has played a central role in shaping Apple’s hardware ecosystem, overseeing development across flagship products including the iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch. He has also contributed to the evolution of newer product categories such as AirPods, while driving improvements in performance, durability, and design.
His leadership has been particularly evident in the Mac lineup, where renewed innovation has boosted performance and market demand. Ternus has also been instrumental in advancing Apple’s sustainability agenda, including the use of recycled materials and enhancements in product longevity and repairability.
Before joining Apple, Ternus worked as a mechanical engineer and holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.
Cook’s transition marks the close of a transformative era. Since becoming CEO in 2011, following Steve Jobs, he has expanded Apple’s global footprint and diversified its revenue streams.
Under his leadership, Apple grew into a $4 trillion company, with annual revenue rising to over $416 billion by 2025. He also built the company’s services division into a major revenue driver and introduced new product categories that reshaped its ecosystem.
As executive chairman, Cook is expected to remain actively involved in Apple’s long-term strategy, policy engagement, and global positioning.
Ternus now steps into the top role at a time when Apple faces both significant opportunities and intensifying competition in the global technology landscape.
