Apple recently announced a major leadership transition as John Ternus, the company’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, prepares to become Chief Executive Officer on September 1, 2026. Tim Cook, who has steered the tech giant since 2011, will move into the role of Executive Chairman. Under Cook’s tenure, Apple’s market capitalization surged from $350 billion to $4 trillion, driven by the expansion of Apple Services into a $100 billion business and the launch of category-defining hardware like Apple Watch and Vision Pro. Cook will remain active in his new capacity, specifically focusing on global policy engagement and mentoring Ternus through the handover.
Ternus is a 25-year veteran of Apple who joined the product design team in 2001, effectively spending his entire career under the tutelage of both Steve Jobs and Tim Cook. He was instrumental in the launch of the original iPad and AirPods and most recently led the transition to Apple-designed silicon. His leadership of the hardware division saw the Mac reach record popularity and the introduction of the Neo and Air lines, cementing his reputation as a technical visionary who understands the integration of hardware and proprietary software.
As CEO, Ternus is handed a mandate to navigate Apple’s next era of product evolution while maintaining the company’s aggressive environmental and privacy standards. He is expected to double down on the company’s recent advancements in hearing health technologies and material science, such as the 3D-printed titanium and recycled aluminum compounds his teams developed.