Tim Cook to step down, John Ternus will become new Apple CEO

Cook will become Executive Chairman

20 Apr 2026, 21:12 by https://www.techradar.com/uk/author/lance-ulanoff · TechRadar

News By Lance Ulanoff published 20 April 2026

(Image credit: Apple)

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Tim Cook to step down as CEE
John Ternus will assume the CEO role in September
Cook to become Executive Chairman

The whispers were true. Long-time Apple CEO Tim Cook is stepping down in September of this year, and Apple Hardware lead John Tenrus will become CEO.

Apple announced the news that Cook would step back after 15 years as CEO on Monday in a press release where he wrote, "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."

Of Ternus, he said, "John Ternus has the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and with honor. He is a visionary whose contributions to Apple over 25 years are already too numerous to count, and he is without question the right person to lead Apple into the future."

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Ternus, who has increasingly shifted from the background to a visible presence at product launches (like the recent MacBook Neo launch) and WWDC, said in the release, "I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple’s mission forward."

Though rumors have been swirling for a year or more about who would succeed Cook and, lately, if it would be Ternus, the announcement now comes as something of a surprise. After all, just weeks ago, Cook was opining in interview after interview about Apple's 50-year history, his time with the company, and his potential future. It sounded like he might be around for another few years at least.

Now, while Cook may speak at the upcoming WWDC in Cupertino, California, it will be Ternus who will, in September, introduce the rumored iPhone 18, possible iPhone Fold, and hoped-for iPhone Glass (AR glasses).

This story is developing...

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