Apple confirms leadership transition as John Ternus is named incoming CEO
Katlego Sekhu
Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook is stepping down from his role, marking the end of a 15-year run that reshaped the company’s global influence.
Apple confirmed that Cook will transition to executive chairman of the board, with John Ternus set to take over as CEO from 1 September 2026.
The move follows a long-term succession plan approved unanimously by the board.
Cook will remain in the role for the next couple of months, working closely with Ternus to ensure a smooth handover. As executive chairman, he will continue to support the business, including engaging with policymakers globally.
Arthur Levinson, who has served as non-executive chairman for the past 15 years, will transition to lead independent director from the same date. Ternus will also join the board.
Cook joined Apple in 1998 and became CEO in 2011, succeeding Steve Jobs at a critical moment in the company’s history.
Under his leadership, Apple expanded beyond its core hardware base into a broader ecosystem of products and services. This included the launch of the Apple Watch, AirPods and Apple Vision Pro, alongside the growth of services like iCloud, Apple Pay, Apple TV and Apple Music.
Cook now steps away from the CEO role with Apple firmly established as one of the most valuable and influential companies in the world.
On Tuesday morning in the Business Update feature on Siz The World, Gugulethu Mfuphi spoke to Dhlomo about what to make of news of Tim Cook stepping down.
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