# Tim Cook Steps Down as Apple CEO; John Ternus Named Successor

### Summary

- Tim Cook will step down as Apple CEO on September 1, 2026, becoming Executive Chairman of the board. [apnews.com+1](https://apnews.com/article/apple-tim-cook-ceo-chage-john-tenus-3e179f3ba156f37ebdc4da5c137a8263)
- The transition is part of a long‑term succession plan, with Cook staying in the role through summer to ensure a seamless handover. [usatoday.com+1](https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2026/04/20/apple-ceo-tim-cook-stepping-down/89706652007/)
- During his 15‑year tenure, Tim Cook grew Apple’s market value by over $3.6 trillion and expanded services and new product lines like the Apple Watch. [apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/apple-tim-cook-ceo-chage-john-tenus-3e179f3ba156f37ebdc4da5c137a8263)
- John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, will take over as the new Apple CEO. [apple.com+1](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/04/tim-cook-to-become-apple-executive-chairman-john-ternus-to-become-apple-ceo/)
- Ternus has overseen the development of key hardware products—iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch—making him a natural successor. [npr.org](https://www.npr.org/2026/04/20/g-s1-118159/apple-ceo-tim-cook-stepping-down)
- The planned leadership shift aims to combine continuity with fresh direction, keeping Cook on the board to guide strategy. [apple.com+1](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/04/tim-cook-to-become-apple-executive-chairman-john-ternus-to-become-apple-ceo/)
- Analysts will monitor how Ternus’s hardware focus shapes Apple’s vision amid a competitive tech landscape. [apple.com+1](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/04/tim-cook-to-become-apple-executive-chairman-john-ternus-to-become-apple-ceo/)

### Sources

- [Tim Cook will step down as Apple CEO and hand reins over to the iPhone maker's hardware leader](https://apnews.com/article/apple-tim-cook-ceo-chage-john-tenus-3e179f3ba156f37ebdc4da5c137a8263) (apnews.com · Apr 20)  
- [Tim Cook to become Apple Executive Chairman John Ternus to become Apple CEO](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/04/tim-cook-to-become-apple-executive-chairman-john-ternus-to-become-apple-ceo/) (apple.com · Apr 19)  
- [Tim Cook to Step Down After 15 Years as Apple CEO](https://www.cnet.com/news-live/tim-cook-steps-down-as-apple-ceo-replaced-john-ternus/) (cnet.com · Apr 21)