Apple has officially entered a new era, with John Ternus taking over as CEO on September 1 after Tim Cook completed 15 years at the top of the company.
Apple first announced the leadership transition in April, confirming that its board unanimously approved Ternus as Cook’s successor. Cook has moved into the role of executive chairman, where he will remain involved with Apple and assist with areas including the company’s relationships with policymakers around the world.
John Ternus begins his new role as Apple CEO
Ternus joined Apple in 2001 and spent years working across the company’s hardware organization. He eventually became senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, overseeing teams responsible for products including the iPhone, iPad, Mac and AirPods. He also played an important role in Apple’s transition from Intel processors to Apple silicon in the Mac.
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His engineering background puts a longtime product executive in charge of Apple at a time when the company is working on major new hardware and AI projects. Ternus also joins Apple’s board of directors as part of the CEO transition, while former chairman Arthur Levinson becomes lead independent director.
The change also brings Cook’s 15-year run as CEO to an end. During that period, Apple expanded far beyond its traditional hardware business, growing services such as Apple Music, Apple TV, iCloud and Apple Pay while significantly increasing its revenue and market value.
Ternus has an iPhone event coming next
Ternus will not have to wait long for his first major public appearance as CEO. Apple has scheduled its fall event for September 9 at the Steve Jobs Theater, where the company is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro lineup and its long-rumored foldable iPhone.
The event will give customers their first major look at Apple under Ternus, while Cook remains closely connected to the company from his new position as executive chairman.
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