Apple has announced a major leadership transition, with chief executive Tim Cook set to step down after more than a decade at the helm and long-time company veteran John Ternus named as his successor.
Cook, who has led Apple since 2011 following the death of co-founder Steve Jobs, will move into the role of executive chairman. The transition is expected to take effect later this year, with Cook working closely alongside Ternus in the coming months to ensure a smooth handover.
In a statement, Cook described his tenure as “the greatest privilege” of his life, saying he was proud to have led what he called an “extraordinary company” through a period of unprecedented growth. Under his leadership, Apple expanded far beyond its core iPhone business, becoming a $4 trillion company while strengthening its ecosystem across services, wearables and computing.
Ternus, who will step into the CEO role, is regarded as one of Apple’s most influential product leaders. He joined the company’s product design team in 2001 and rose through the ranks to become vice president of hardware engineering in 2013, before joining the executive team in 2021 as senior vice president of hardware engineering.
Over a 25-year career at Apple, Ternus has overseen the engineering behind many of the company’s most recognisable products, including multiple generations of the iPhone, Mac and iPad, as well as newer innovations such as AirPods and the Vision Pro platform.
He is known internally for his engineering-first approach and close involvement in product development, making him a key figure in shaping Apple’s hardware strategy.
“John has the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity,” Cook said, calling him “the right person to lead Apple into the future”.
Ternus said he was “humbled” to take on the role, noting he had spent almost his entire career at Apple. “I have been fortunate to work under Steve Jobs and to have Tim Cook as a mentor,” he said.
“It has been a privilege to help shape products that have transformed how people connect and communicate.”
The leadership change comes at a critical time for Apple, as the company looks to strengthen its position in artificial intelligence and navigate increasing global competition.
As executive chairman, Cook will remain involved in Apple’s strategic direction, including engagement with policymakers and oversight of key initiatives, ensuring continuity as the company enters its next phase under Ternus.
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