Tim Cook steps down as Apple CEO, John Ternus to take over

Tim Cook has officially stepped down as CEO of Apple, bringing an end to his tenure at the helm of one of the world’s most valuable technology companies. John Ternus is set to succeed Cook as Apple CEO from September 2.

On his final day in the role, Cook sent an emotional memo to Apple employees, reflecting on his leadership journey, the company’s culture and his confidence in Ternus as his successor.

Cook, who became Apple CEO in 2011 after succeeding Steve Jobs, told employees that while he was stepping away from the position, he was not leaving Apple.

“As you know, I am not leaving Apple. But I am stepping away from a role that I have loved deeply,” Cook wrote.

He described leading Apple as “the privilege of a lifetime” and credited employees for whatever success he achieved during his tenure.

“The truth is, whatever there is to say about my success, I know it is all because of you,” Cook wrote. “You have brought out the best in me.”

In his farewell message, Cook placed particular emphasis on Apple’s culture, saying he was most proud of aspects of the company that would not appear in its annual reports.

“There is something truly special about Apple,” he wrote, adding that the company demonstrates how “culture triumphs over everything.”

Cook said Apple’s shared belief that its products matter and that the company has a responsibility to leave the world better than it found it has helped shape its identity.

He also reflected on Jobs’ influence, referencing the late Apple co-founder’s description of making a “dent in the universe”.

“Together, we have created something far greater than any one of us could have imagined or accomplished alone,” Cook wrote. “And that’s the secret to our success. We bring out the best in each other.”

Cook said he would miss leading Apple and being involved in its day-to-day work, but expressed confidence in the company’s next chapter under Ternus.

“I take enormous comfort in handing the helm to someone as brilliant and wonderful and capable as John,” Cook wrote.

“Few people understand what it takes to build products that change the world the way John does and I could not be more excited for his leadership.”

Although Cook is leaving the CEO role, he will remain with Apple in a new capacity, meaning the leadership transition does not represent his departure from the company.

He told employees that he looked forward to seeing them “at Apple Park and around the world” in his new role.

Cook also addressed the wider Apple community on social media, describing his final day as CEO as the beginning of a new chapter rather than a complete departure.

“My title changes tomorrow, but the love I have for the Apple community never will,” Cook wrote, thanking the community for being a “constant source of inspiration”.

The leadership transition marks a major moment for Apple as Ternus takes responsibility for the company following more than a decade under Cook. 

Ternus, a long-time Apple executive and leader of the company’s hardware engineering organisation, will inherit responsibility for steering Apple through its next phase of product development, technology investment and global competition.

For employees, Cook’s final message placed the emphasis not only on the leadership change but on the culture and collective effort he believes have underpinned Apple’s performance throughout his tenure.