Global tech heavyweight has tapped long-serving engineer John Ternus to take over from Tim Cook as chief executive starting 1st September 2026.

According to an update by the U.S.-based company Board, the computer and smartphone maker was "thoughtful" in selecting hardware engineer Ternus to take over from Cook, who will assume the role of executive chairman. 

“I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple’s mission forward,” said Ternus in a company update, adding: “Having spent almost my entire career at Apple, I have been lucky to have worked under Steve Jobs and to have had Tim Cook as my mentor."

Ternus added: "I am so happy to know that the most talented people on earth are here at Apple, determined to be part of something bigger than any one of us. I am humbled to step into this role, and I promise to lead with the values and vision that have come to define this special place for half a century."

Cook has served at the helm of the California-headquarted company since 2015 when co-founder Steve Jobs retired shortly before his death from cancer. Ternus was key in the introduction of multiple new product lines, including iPad and AirPods, as well as many generations of products across iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch, the firm explained.

“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. I could not be more confident in his abilities and his character, and I look forward to working closely with him on this transition and in my new role as executive chairman," explained Cook in a company statement.

He added: “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. I love Apple with all of my being, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with a team of such ingenious, innovative, creative, and deeply caring people who have been unwavering in their dedication to enriching the lives of our customers and creating the best products and services in the world."

Media reports show that Ternus is one long-serving hardware engineers in the company, having joined the iPhone manufacturing company in 2001. 

Ternus assumed the role of vice-president of hardware engineering in 2013, before rising to the become head of the department in 2021 where he was tasked with overseeing the physical components that make up Apple products stable.

According to the Wall Street Journal, a highlight of his career is the development and launch of Apple’s proprietary silicon chips for its Mac line of computers. This move saw the company experience surge in sales after swapping out Intel chips in 2020.

Other changes announced in the latest shake up will see Arthur Levinson, who has been Apple’s non-executive chairman for the past 15 years, become its lead independent director on September 1, 2026. Ternus will join the board of directors, also effective September 1, 2026.

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