Who is John Ternus? Apple’s Next CEO Taking Over from Tim Cook in 2026

Apple named John Ternus as its next chief executive officer, marking a historic leadership transition at one of the world’s most valuable technology companies. Apple CEO John Ternus and Chairman Tim Cook John Ternus will assume the CEO role on September 1, 2026, while Tim Cook transitions to executive chairman after more than a decade of transformative leadership. Leadership transition at Apple The appointment of John Ternus follows a long-term succession plan approved unanimously by Apple’s board. Tim Cook will remain CEO through the summer of 2026, ensuring a smooth transition before stepping into his new role. Meanwhile, board chairman Arthur Levinson will move into the position of lead independent director. Under Tim Cook’s leadership since 2011, Apple has expanded its market capitalization from about $350 billion to $4 trillion and increased annual revenue to more than $416 billion in fiscal 2025. The company also built a services business exceeding $100 billion and expanded its global presence to over 200 countries. John Ternus: A 25-year Apple veteran John Ternus is one of Apple’s most experienced leaders, with nearly 25 years at the company. He joined Apple’s product design team in 2001 and rose steadily through the ranks, becoming vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2013 and senior vice president in 2021. John Ternus has played a central role in shaping Apple’s hardware innovation across multiple flagship products, including: iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch generations New product categories like iPad and AirPods Advancements in Mac performance during the Apple silicon transition His leadership has helped make the Mac more powerful and globally popular, while also driving innovation in design, durability, and sustainability. Engineering-driven leadership style Known for his deep technical expertise, John Ternus is regarded as an engineer-first leader. His work has focused on improving product reliability, introducing new materials, and enhancing environmental sustainability. Key contributions include: Development of recycled aluminum materials across devices Use of advanced materials like 3D-printed titanium Improvements in repairability and product lifespan Hardware innovations that reduce carbon footprint His approach aligns with Apple’s broader sustainability goals and long-term product strategy. Vision for Apple’s future John Ternus has emphasized continuity in Apple’s mission while signaling optimism about future innovation. Having worked