Apple has a new chief executive for the first time in 15 years.
John Ternus is Apple’s new CEO, succeeding Tim Cook on September 1, 2026, in one of the most significant leadership changes in the technology company’s history.
Ternus, a longtime Apple executive who previously served as senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, becomes only the latest person to lead the company behind the iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch and other major consumer technology products.
Cook, however, is not leaving Apple. He has transitioned to a new role as executive chairman of Apple’s board.
Here is everything to know about Apple’s new CEO, John Ternus, and what the leadership change means for Tim Cook.
Who Is Apple’s New CEO?
John Ternus is the new CEO of Apple.
Ternus officially succeeded Tim Cook as chief executive on September 1, 2026.
Before becoming CEO, Ternus served as Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, giving him extensive experience overseeing the development of some of the company’s most important products.
Apple Leadership Change
| Position | Executive |
|---|---|
| Apple CEO | John Ternus |
| Previous CEO | Tim Cook |
| Ternus Became CEO | September 1, 2026 |
| Ternus’ Previous Role | SVP of Hardware Engineering |
| Tim Cook’s New Role | Executive Chairman |
| Previous CEO Transition | Steve Jobs to Tim Cook in 2011 |
Who Is John Ternus?
John Ternus is a longtime Apple executive who joined the company in 2001.
He spent more than two decades at Apple before being selected to succeed Cook.
Ternus built much of his reputation inside the company through its hardware organization. His work has involved products across Apple’s portfolio, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods and Apple Watch.
He eventually rose to become senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, making him one of Apple’s most prominent executives.
His extensive product-development experience gives Apple a CEO with a deeply technical and hardware-focused background.
How Old Is Apple CEO John Ternus?
John Ternus is 51 years old as he takes over as Apple CEO in 2026.
His age makes the leadership transition particularly significant because Ternus could potentially lead Apple for many years.
Cook was 50 when he became Apple CEO in August 2011.
What Happened to Tim Cook?
Tim Cook has stepped down as Apple CEO but remains with the company.
Rather than leaving Apple entirely, Cook has transitioned into the position of executive chairman of Apple’s board.
The arrangement allows Apple to move forward with a new chief executive while retaining Cook’s experience and institutional knowledge.
Cook is also expected to remain involved in certain areas of the company, including relationships with policymakers.
How Long Was Tim Cook Apple CEO?
Tim Cook served as Apple CEO for approximately 15 years, taking over the company in August 2011 and stepping down as chief executive in September 2026.
Cook succeeded Apple co-founder Steve Jobs shortly before Jobs died in October 2011.
During Cook’s tenure, Apple expanded dramatically in both size and value.
The company introduced numerous new products and services during the Cook era, including the Apple Watch, AirPods, Apple Music, Apple TV+ and Apple Vision Pro.
Apple also expanded its services business while continuing to develop new generations of the iPhone, Mac and iPad.
Why Did Apple Choose John Ternus as CEO?
Ternus entered Apple’s CEO succession discussion as one of the company’s most prominent longtime executives.
His experience overseeing hardware engineering gave him direct involvement with many of the products responsible for Apple’s success.
Unlike an outside hire, Ternus also brings more than two decades of experience inside Apple.
That continuity could be particularly important as the company navigates its next generation of products, artificial intelligence development, custom silicon and other emerging technologies.
What Products Has John Ternus Worked On at Apple?
Ternus has been involved with hardware engineering across several of Apple’s biggest product lines.
His experience includes work involving:
- iPhone
- Mac
- iPad
- Apple Watch
- AirPods
As Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, Ternus was responsible for teams working across the company’s hardware portfolio.
That background makes his path to CEO notably different from Cook’s.
Cook built much of his reputation through operations and supply-chain management before eventually succeeding Jobs.
Ternus enters the CEO position with his career more closely associated with product engineering and hardware development.
Is Tim Cook Still With Apple?
Yes. Tim Cook remains with Apple despite stepping down as CEO.
Cook now serves as executive chairman of Apple’s board.
That means the September 2026 transition is not a complete departure for the longtime Apple chief executive.
Instead, Apple will have Ternus running the company as CEO while Cook continues serving in a senior leadership and governance capacity.
Who Was Apple CEO Before John Ternus?
Tim Cook was Apple CEO immediately before John Ternus.
Apple’s recent CEO succession history includes:
Steve Jobs: Returned as Apple CEO in 1997 and led the company through its historic turnaround and the launches of products including the iPod, iPhone and iPad.
Tim Cook: Became CEO in 2011 and led Apple through a massive expansion in its hardware, services and wearable businesses.
John Ternus: Became Apple CEO on September 1, 2026, after more than two decades with the company.
The transition represents Apple’s first change at CEO since Cook replaced Jobs 15 years earlier.
What Could Change Under John Ternus?
Ternus takes control of Apple during an important period for the technology industry.
Artificial intelligence has become one of the biggest competitive areas for technology companies, while Apple continues developing its ecosystem of hardware, software, services and custom processors.
Ternus’ hardware engineering background could influence how Apple approaches its next generation of devices.
However, Apple’s decision to promote a longtime internal executive also suggests the company is prioritizing continuity rather than a dramatic change in direction.
With Cook remaining as executive chairman, the transition gives Apple both a new chief executive and continued involvement from the executive who led the company for the previous 15 years.
Who Is Apple CEO in 2026?
John Ternus is Apple CEO in 2026.
He officially succeeded Tim Cook on September 1, becoming the company’s first new chief executive since 2011.
Ternus brings approximately 25 years of experience at Apple and previously led the company’s hardware engineering organization.
Meanwhile, Cook remains part of Apple’s leadership structure as executive chairman.
The succession begins a new era for one of the world’s largest technology companies and puts Ternus in charge of determining what comes next for the iPhone maker.