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1 September 2026

John Ternus Takes Helm as Tim Cook Steps Down from Apple CEO Role

Tim Cook bids farewell to his role as Apple CEO, passing the torch to John Ternus. Learn about Cook's legacy and the exciting developments on the horizon.

John Ternus Takes Helm as Tim Cook Steps Down from Apple CEO Role

In a significant shift for the tech world, Tim Cook has concluded his tenure as Apple’s CEO, marking the end of an era. As of August 31, 2026, Cook transitions to the role of executive chairman of Apple’s board of directors, leaving the CEO position to John Ternus. This change comes after 15 years of leadership, during which Cook steered Apple through numerous milestones and challenges.

Meanwhile, the tech industry continues to buzz with innovations, from compact trucks to electric airport equipment. As we celebrate Cook’s contributions, we also look ahead to the future of Apple under Ternus’ leadership and the broader landscape of technological advancements.

Tim Cook’s Emotional Farewell

Tim Cook’s final day as Apple CEO was met with an outpouring of gratitude and emotion. In a heartfelt message posted on X, Cook expressed his enduring love for the Apple community and his excitement for the next chapter. “Sending lots of love to the Apple community on my last day as CEO,” Cook wrote. “My title changes tomorrow, but the love I have for the Apple community never will. Thank you for being a constant source of inspiration. My gratitude is endless, and I’m excited for the next chapter!”

Cook’s leadership spanned 15 years, during which he oversaw the launch of iconic products like the AirPods and Apple Watch. Under his guidance, Apple became a trillion-dollar company and navigated complex geopolitical issues. Notably, Cook’s tenure included a memorable moment when former President Donald Trump referred to him as “Tim Apple,” to which Cook humorously responded by changing his profile name on X to “Tim .”

John Ternus: The New Face of Apple

John Ternus, Apple’s current Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, takes the reins as CEO. At 50 years old, Ternus brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of product development. In a memo to employees, Cook praised Ternus, stating, “Few people understand what it takes to build products that change the world the way John does.”

Ternus’ first major event as CEO will be the September 9 launch of Apple’s new line of iPhones, including the company’s first-ever foldable device. This event is highly anticipated and will set the tone for Ternus’ leadership. Under Ternus, Apple is expected to focus on hardware innovation and product execution, building on the success of recent releases like the ultra-thin iPhone Air and the lower-cost MacBook Neo.

Innovations Beyond Apple

While Apple undergoes this leadership transition, the tech world continues to evolve. Jeff Bezos-backed Slate Auto is making waves in the compact truck market, challenging established players like Ford. Additionally, Waev’s new Tiger Li-Ion airport tug, capable of towing over 60,000 lbs., is gaining attention for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness, offering significant savings compared to diesel alternatives.

Ontario Airport is also investing in sustainable technology, allocating $5.5 million for electric ground support equipment. This move aligns with the broader trend towards environmentally friendly solutions in the aviation industry. As the world embraces electric vehicles, innovations like these are paving the way for a greener future.

The tech landscape is filled with exciting developments, from new leadership at Apple to groundbreaking innovations in transportation and sustainability. As Tim Cook steps down, the future of Apple and the broader tech industry looks bright, with John Ternus at the helm and a wave of innovative products and solutions on the horizon.

Author

Marcus Chen

Marcus Chen writes about consumer tech the way a friend who actually opened the device would describe it. Hardware-first, hype-skeptical, and fluent in benchmark numbers.