After nearly 15 years at the helm, Tim Cook is stepping down as chief executive of Apple, marking the end of a defining era that saw the company reach a $4 trillion valuation. The transition will take effect on 1 September 2026, with Cook, 65, moving into a newly created role as executive chairman. Taking over the top job is John Ternus, Apple’s head of hardware engineering, who has quietly shaped many of the company’s most important products.
Ternus, 50, becomes Apple’s eighth CEO since its founding and only the third since Steve Jobs returned in 1997 to revive the company. Announcing the decision, Cook said, “John Ternus has the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and lead Apple into the future.”
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Who is John Ternus?
Unlike his predecessors, Ternus has largely stayed out of the spotlight. Within Apple, however, he is seen as a central figure in the company’s product development. A mechanical engineering graduate from the University of Pennsylvania in 1997, he joined Apple in 2001 after working at Virtual Research Systems.
He began his journey on the product design team, focusing on Mac displays. Over time, he became a close associate of longtime engineering chief Dan Riccio, steadily taking on more responsibility as his role expanded. His work eventually spanned Apple’s entire hardware ecosystem, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods and Vision Pro.
From hardware engineer to CEO
Ternus’s rise has been gradual but consistent. He was promoted to vice president of hardware engineering in 2013 and went on to lead the division in 2021 after Riccio stepped back. In that role, he oversaw the design and engineering of nearly all Apple devices, making him one of the most influential figures behind the company’s products.
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Reportedly, colleagues describe him as a steady leader who values clarity and collaboration. His approach to management is often compared to Cook’s, focusing on teamwork and measured decision-making rather than dramatic shifts.
What sets Ternus apart is his deep technical background. He has spent over two decades working closely on the physical design and build of Apple products, dealing with everything from materials to manufacturing precision. This hands-on experience is expected to shape his leadership as CEO.
