Apple says Tim Cook to become executive chairman, John Ternus next CEO

Apple said Monday that CEO Tim Cook would become executive chairman of the company's board of directors, while John Ternus, Apple's senior vice president of hardware engineering, would become the company's next CEO effective Sept. 1, 2026.

The company said the leadership transition was unanimously approved by its board of directors and followed a long-term succession planning process. Cook will remain CEO through the summer and work closely with Ternus to ensure a smooth handover, according to Apple.