Apple chief to step down after 15 years in role

Tim Cook will step down as chief executive of Apple Inc. after about 15 years in the role.

The announcement was made in a letter addressed to the Apple community, in which Cook confirmed he will transition into a new position as executive chairman, handing over leadership responsibilities later this year.

His successor, John Ternus, currently senior vice president of hardware engineering, is expected to take over as CEO. Cook described Ternus as “a brilliant engineer and thinker” with decades of experience shaping Apple’s flagship products.

“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,” Cook said. “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.”

Cook noted that his decision marks a personal transition rather than a departure from the company, emphasizing that he will remain actively involved in Apple’s future direction as chairman.

In his message, he reflected on his daily interactions with users around the world, saying their feedback and experiences have been a constant source of motivation. He described those exchanges as a reminder of Apple’s broader impact on people’s lives and a driving force behind the company’s continued innovation.

Cook took over as CEO in 2011 following the resignation of Steve Jobs, guiding Apple through a period of significant growth and expansion. Under his leadership, the company strengthened its global presence and introduced new products and services while maintaining its reputation for design and performance.

Ternus, who has spent over two decades at Apple, has played a central role in the development of key hardware products and is widely regarded within the company as a steady and detail-oriented leader.

Cook expressed confidence in the transition, stating that Apple will “reach new heights” under Ternus’ leadership, as the company continues to focus on innovation and customer experience.

The leadership change signals a new chapter for Apple, one of the world’s most influential technology companies, as it navigates an evolving global market and increasing competition.