Tim Cook Steps Down as Apple CEO: John Ternus to Take the Helm in September 2026
Apple announced on Monday, April 20, 2026, that Tim Cook will be stepping down as Chief Executive Officer. After 15 years leading the company, Cook will hand the reins to John Ternus, currently Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering. The transition takes effect on September 1, 2026.
Cook will move into the role of Executive Chairman of the Board. In an official statement, he described his tenure as CEO as "the greatest privilege" of his life.
Tim Cook: 15 Years at the Helm
Tim Cook joined Apple in 1998 and became CEO in 2011, stepping into the role following the passing of Steve Jobs. During his tenure, he oversaw the launch of some of Apple's most defining products — including Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple Vision Pro — as well as the expansion of its services ecosystem, spanning iCloud, Apple Pay, Apple TV+, and Apple Music.
Tim Cook at an Apple event. Photo: AP Photo / Godofredo A. Vásquez
Under Cook's leadership, Apple's market capitalization grew from approximately $350 billion to $4 trillion. Annual revenue quadrupled, rising from $108 billion in 2011 to over $416 billion in 2025. The company now operates in more than 200 countries and territories, with over 2.5 billion active devices worldwide.
John Ternus: Apple's Next CEO
John Ternus has spent nearly his entire career at Apple. As Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, he has played a central role in the development of the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro.
John Ternus, Apple's incoming CEO. Photo: MacRumors
In his first public statement as CEO-designate, Ternus said: "I am deeply honored by this opportunity to carry Apple's mission forward. I was fortunate to work alongside Steve Jobs, and to have had Tim Cook as a mentor. I am filled with optimism about what Apple can achieve in the years ahead."
What This Leadership Change Means for the XR Industry
For the extended reality ecosystem, the transition carries notable implications:
- Ternus's engineering background: His deep roots in hardware suggest that Apple's premium approach to Vision Pro and visionOS could become even more pronounced under his leadership.
- XR strategy going forward: The key question is whether Ternus will double down on Apple's augmented reality ambitions or shift focus toward other product lines.
- Regulatory relationships: Cook's experience navigating government and regulatory affairs may prove difficult to replace, particularly when it comes to managing ongoing EU scrutiny of Apple's devices and platforms.
The End of an Era
Tim Cook took the helm at Apple in 2011 under extraordinarily difficult circumstances, stepping out of the shadow of one of the most iconic founders in business history. Under his leadership, Apple became the most valuable company in the world.
The Ternus era begins in September 2026. How he shapes Apple's vision for augmented reality — and beyond — will start to become clear from that point on.
A personal note: at InfinityOne, we would like to take this moment to thank Tim Cook and his team for the trust they placed in us with our Air Cover for Apple Vision Pro. It has been an honor.
Sources: Apple Newsroom (04/20/2026), MacRumors, AP News, The New York Times, Fortune, CBS News.
