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John Ternus takes over as Apple CEO as Tim Cook becomes executive chairman

The veteran hardware engineering chief steps into the top role as Apple prepares major device launches and navigates competition in artificial intelligence.

Updated Sep 1, 2026 · 19:31 UTC2 reports

The short version

  • John Ternus officially assumed the role of Apple CEO on September 1, succeeding Tim Cook, who transitioned to executive chairman after 15 years leading the company.
  • Ternus, who joined Apple in 2001 and led hardware engineering starting in 2021, inherits a company valued near $4.5 trillion with annual profits surpassing $100 billion.
  • Apple faces an immediate product launch on September 9 alongside broader industry challenges, including mounting pressure to advance its artificial intelligence capabilities.

Key facts

  • Tim Cook stepped down as chief executive after 15 years and moved into the role of executive chairman of Apple's board of directors.[The Guardian · Al Jazeera]
  • John Ternus joined Apple in 2001, rose to vice president of hardware engineering in 2013, and became senior vice president overseeing the department in 2021 before taking over as CEO.[The Guardian · Al Jazeera]
  • Johny Srouji was named to replace Ternus as head of hardware.[The Guardian]
  • Apple is scheduled to host a product launch event on September 9 featuring its latest iPhone and an anticipated foldable device.[Al Jazeera]
  • Apple plans to release an updated version of Siri alongside its next iOS release this month.[Al Jazeera]
  • Apple's stock rose 2.2 percent in midday trading on Tuesday as the leadership transition took effect.[Al Jazeera]

What remains uncertain

  • Whether older iPhone models will face performance constraints running Apple's upgraded Siri artificial intelligence features remains an open concern among financial analysts.[Al Jazeera]
  • The market performance of Apple's upcoming foldable device remains unproven, though research firm IDC projects Apple could achieve a 40 percent market share by the end of next year.[Al Jazeera]

Sources