What you need to know
- Apple is undergoing a leadership change for the first time in nearly 15 years, as Tim Cook will step down as CEO later this year.
- John Ternes, Apple’s current senior vice president of hardware engineering, will be the company’s next CEO.
- Cook will remain CEO during the transition period, and Ternes will take over on September 1, 2026. Then, Cook would become the executive chairman of Apple’s board of directors.
Cook has held the CEO title since 2011, when he replaced the late Steve Jobs. Ternes has worked for Apple for more than 25 years, most recently as the company’s senior vice president of hardware engineering. Previously, he served as vice president of hardware engineering and a member of the product design team. Apple says Turnus helped introduce the iPad and AirPods, and worked on product generations of iPhones, Macs and Apple Watches.
Ternes has an engineering background and holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. Before joining Apple, he was a mechanical engineer for Virtual Research Systems.
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Cook said in a press release, “John Ternes has the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and respect. He is a visionary whose contributions to Apple over 25 years have already been immense, and he is without a doubt the right person to lead Apple into the future.” “I couldn’t be more confident in his abilities and his character, and I look forward to this transition and working closely with him in my new role as executive chairman.”
Ternes spoke positively about Apple’s future as the incoming CEO in his introductory press release. “I’m full of optimism about what we can accomplish in the coming years, and I’m humbled to know that the most talented people on Earth are here at Apple, determined to be part of something bigger than any of us,” Ternes said. “I am grateful to step into this role, and I promise to lead with the values and vision that have defined this special place for half a century.”
Part of the change involves Johnny Sruzzi expanding his role to include Turnus’s previous duties. Sruzzi’s new designation is Chief Hardware Officer at Apple.
As change happens behind the scenes, there are important milestones to keep track of. Apple will host a quarterly earnings call this Thursday, April 30, where we can hear from Turnus and Cook for the first time since the announcement. Additionally, the September 1 transition occurs just before Apple typically holds its annual September event. This will likely be the first keynote address held by Turnus as CEO of Apple.
