Apple has announced a major leadership transition, with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tim Cook set to become Executive Chairman effective 1 September 2026. Cook was the CEO at Apple for 15 years after succeeding Steve Jobs back in August 2011.
Apple’s current Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering John Ternus will take over as CEO in September.
Meanwhile, Johny Srouji has been named the Chief Hardware Officer with immediate effect.
Tim Cook to become Executive Chairman
According to Apple’s announcement, Tim Cook will transition from CEO to Executive Chairman of the Board on 1 September 2026. He has led Apple since 2011, following Steve Jobs, overseeing the company’s expansion across hardware, software and services.
During his tenure as CEO, Apple states that Cook led the company through a period of significant growth, including the expansion of its product lineup and the development of its services business. This includes platforms such as the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay and iCloud, which have become key parts of Apple’s ecosystem.
Apple also highlights that under Cook’s leadership, the company introduced Apple Silicon, marking a transition to in-house chips across Mac and other products. In addition, Apple notes its increased focus on environmental initiatives and its supply chain, including efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
Cook said, “It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be the CEO of Apple and to have been trusted to lead such an extraordinary company. I love Apple with all of my being, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with a team of such ingenious, innovative, creative, and deeply caring people who have been unwavering in their dedication to enriching the lives of our customers and creating the best products and services in the world.”
Commenting on his successor, he added, “John Ternus has the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and with honor. He is a visionary whose contributions to Apple over 25 years are already too numerous to count, and he is without question the right person to lead Apple into the future. I could not be more confident in his abilities and his character, and I look forward to working closely with him on this transition and in my new role as executive chairman.”
Cook will continue to lead Apple’s Board of Directors and contribute to the company’s long-term direction in his new role.
John Ternus to take over as CEO
John Ternus, currently Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, will become Apple’s new CEO.
Apple states that Ternus joined the company in 2001 and has led hardware engineering for key product lines including iPhone, iPad and Mac. His responsibilities also include Apple Silicon, which underpins Apple’s transition to in-house chips across its devices.
Ternus said, “I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple’s mission forward. Having spent almost my entire career at Apple, I have been lucky to have worked under Steve Jobs and to have had Tim Cook as my mentor. It has been a privilege to help shape the products and experiences that have changed so much of how we interact with the world and with one another. I am filled with optimism about what we can achieve in the years to come, and I am so happy to know that the most talented people on earth are here at Apple, determined to be part of something bigger than any one of us. I am humbled to step into this role, and I promise to lead with the values and vision that have come to define this special place for half a century.”
Johny Srouji appointed Chief Hardware Officer
In a separate announcement, Apple confirmed that Johny Srouji has been appointed Chief Hardware Officer.
Srouji currently serves as Senior Vice President of Hardware Technologies and has been responsible for Apple’s silicon development, including Apple Silicon chips. In his new role, he will oversee hardware engineering across the company.
Cook said, “Johny is one of the most talented people I have ever had the privilege to work with. He has played a singular role in driving Apple’s silicon strategy, and his influence has been felt deeply not just inside the company, but across the industry. He has always led his organization with remarkable deftness and judgment, and time and again, his team has delivered breakthrough innovations that have transformed our products. We are incredibly fortunate to have him as Apple’s chief hardware officer.”
Meanwhile, incoming CEO Ternus said, “Johny has been an incredible partner on the executive team, and is going to be an extraordinary chief hardware officer. I look forward to continuing to work closely with him in our new roles.”
