It marks the end of an era at Apple as CEO Tim Cook prepares to step down after nearly 15 years at the helm. Cook, who took over from co-founder Steve Jobs in 2011, will remain in the role until September 1, 2026, before transitioning to executive chairman of Apple's board. He will be succeeded by hardware engineering chief John Ternus.
Under Cook's leadership, Apple witnessed extraordinary growth, expanding its product and services ecosystem with launches such as the Apple Watch, Apple Music, and Apple TV+. The company also achieved major financial milestones, becoming the first US firm to hit a $1 trillion valuation in 2018 and later reaching $4 trillion in 2022—up from around $350 billion when Cook became CEO.
In a heartfelt letter to the Apple community, Cook reflected on his journey, calling the CEO role "the best job in the world." He spoke about reading daily messages from users and how their stories reinforced Apple's mission to enrich lives. Expressing deep gratitude, he described his tenure as both an honour and a privilege.
Cook endorsed Ternus as his successor, calling him a "brilliant engineer and thinker" with over 25 years at Apple. He said Ternus's attention to detail and commitment to innovation make him the ideal leader to guide the company into its next phase. While stepping down as CEO, Cook emphasized that this is "not goodbye," as he will continue to remain actively involved with Apple.
Beyond leadership transition, Cook leaves behind a transformed global strategy—particularly in India, which has become central to Apple's growth story. The country now plays a dual role as a major manufacturing hub and a rapidly expanding consumer market. Experts note that Apple assembles a significant share of its iPhones in India, with the market expected to drive future growth much like China did in earlier years.
Industry analysts highlight that Cook's tenure was defined by strong execution, supply chain diversification, and deeper engagement with emerging markets. As Ternus takes charge, he is expected to build on this foundation and steer Apple through its next phase of innovation and expansion.
