Apple Names Hardware Chief John Ternus as New CEO, Tim Cook Moves to Chairman Role

In a major leadership shift, Apple has announced that John Ternus, the company’s long-time hardware chief, will take over as CEO starting September 1, 2026. Tim Cook, who has led the tech giant since 2011, will stay on as executive chairman.

The decision was approved by Apple’s board without any disagreement. People close to the company say the move has been planned for a while to ensure a smooth transition.

Ternus is not a new face at Apple. He has been with the company for 25 years and played a key role in building some of its most famous products, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and the new Apple Vision Pro headset. Unlike Cook, who came from operations, Ternus is seen as a true product person who knows Apple’s hardware inside and out.

So why make the change now? Apple is facing growing pressure in the AI race. While competitors like Google and Microsoft have pushed hard into generative AI, Apple has been slower to show its hand. Ternus, who has experience leading complex engineering projects, will now be in charge as Apple works to weave AI deeper into its devices.

Tim Cook isn’t leaving completely. As executive chairman, he will still offer guidance and represent Apple in high-level meetings. But the daily weight of running the company will fall on Ternus.

For most Apple users, nothing will change overnight. But behind the scenes, this marks the end of the Cook era and the beginning of a new chapter led by an engineer who helped build the products we use every day.