Apple’s long-term CEO Tim Cook has officially stepped down, passing on the role to John Ternus. This is not a complete exit from the company, as Cook will continue to serve as executive chairman. However, the transition does mark the end of his 15-year tenure as Apple CEO.
Why is Tim Cook stepping down?
Apple CEO Tim Cook thanks guests and officials during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Apple's Advanced Manufacturing Center in Houston, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Annie Mulligan) (AP Photo/Annie Mulligan)
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Why Cook has not revealed exactly why he stepped down, The Information reported that he plans to spend more time at his vacation home in Palm Springs, California, and “take up more outdoor activities.” He will still remain heavily involved at the company.
What are Tim Cook's plans after stepping down as CEO of Apple?
Tim Cook plans to spend more time at his vacation home in Palm Springs, California, and engage in more outdoor activities, while still remaining involved with Apple as executive chairman.
Why did Tim Cook decide to step down as CEO now?
While Cook has not explicitly revealed the reasons for his departure, reports suggest it is linked to a desire to focus on personal interests and spend more time outside the corporate environment, despite his ongoing commitment to Apple.
Who is John Ternus, the new CEO of Apple?
John Ternus is Apple's new CEO, promoted from senior vice president of hardware engineering, where he oversaw major product developments, including the iPhone and Apple Silicon transition.
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Cook wrote in an X post himself, “Sending lots of love to the Apple community on my last day as CEO. My title changes tomorrow, but the love I have for the Apple community never will. Thank you for being a constant source of inspiration. My gratitude is endless, and I’m excited for the next chapter!”
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Cook shared an emotional farewell note with employees as he serves his final days as Apple CEO. He thanked the employees in the memo and that he has “enormous comfort in handing the helm to someone as brilliant and wonderful and capable” as Ternus.
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Cook shared an emotional farewell note with employees as he serves his final days as Apple CEO. He thanked the employees in the memo and that he has “enormous comfort in handing the helm to someone as brilliant and wonderful and capable” as Ternus.
“I will miss this work in ways I can only begin to imagine, even as I remain completely at peace with my decision. I will miss leading you and being with you for every step,” Cook said in the farewell memo to employees.
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“As you know, I am not leaving Apple. But I am stepping away from a role that I have loved deeply. I will miss this work in ways I can only begin to imagine, even as I remain completely at peace with my decision. I will miss leading you and being with you for every step, even as I take enormous comfort in handing the helm to someone as brilliant and wonderful and capable as John. Few people understand what it takes to build products that change the world the way John does and I could not be more excited for his leadership,” he clarified.
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Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.
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