By Ghazali Ibrahim
Tim Cook, the long-serving chief executive of Apple Inc., has announced he will step down from his role, bringing an end to nearly 15 years at the helm of one of the world’s most valuable companies.
Apple confirmed that Cook will officially leave the CEO position on September 1, 2026, handing over leadership to John Ternus, the company’s current head of hardware engineering.
Cook, who became CEO in 2011 following the era of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, will remain with the company as executive chairman, continuing to play a role in its strategic direction.
In a statement, Cook described leading Apple as “the greatest privilege” of his life, reflecting on a tenure that saw the company grow into a global powerhouse.
During his time in charge, Apple expanded beyond its flagship iPhone business to introduce products such as the Apple Watch and AirPods, while also building a massive services division. The company’s market value surged into the trillions of dollars under his leadership.
His successor, John Ternus, is a longtime Apple executive who joined the company in 2001 and has played a key role in developing major products including the iPhone, iPad and Mac.
The leadership change comes at a critical time for Apple, as the tech giant faces increasing competition in areas such as artificial intelligence and next-generation devices.
Analysts say the transition signals a new phase for Apple, with expectations that the incoming CEO will focus more on product innovation while maintaining the company’s strong global position.
Cook’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in Apple’s history, closing a period defined by massive growth, global expansion and the transformation of the company into a technology and services leader.
