Apple Completes CEO Transition as Ternus Succeeds Cook

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) completed its first chief executive transition since 2011 on 1 September, when John Ternus took the role from Tim Cook.

Apple announced the succession on 20 April. Ternus, previously senior vice president of hardware engineering, joined the board of directors on the day he took the role. Cook became executive chairman, a newly created position in which Apple said he will assist with certain aspects of the company including engagement with policymakers. The board approved the transition unanimously.

Arthur Levinson, non executive chairman for the previous 15 years, became lead independent director on the same date.

Ternus is Apple's eighth chief executive. He has spent 25 years at the company, where he led hardware engineering for iPad, AirPods and recent iPhone models, and holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. He worked as a mechanical engineer at Virtual Research Systems before joining Apple.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman had reported that Ternus was the most likely successor, a view that hardened after chief operating officer Jeff Williams stepped back from operational responsibilities in July 2025.

Cook led Apple from August 2011, when Steve Jobs resigned. Apple did not cite a specific reason for the timing, framing the move as the conclusion of long term succession planning.

Ternus made his first appearance as chief executive at a product launch on 9 September, introducing the iPhone 18 Pro, AirPods 5 and Apple Watch Series 12 before unveiling the foldable iPhone Duo.