Apple Officially Changes CEO: John Ternus Takes the Helm

Apple has officially changed its Chief Executive Officer. On Tuesday, September 1, 2026, John Ternus assumed leadership of the group, following a 15-year tenure by Tim Cook. Cook will transition to the role of Executive Chairman, ensuring continuity at the top while handing over operational leadership to his successor.

A New Profile for a New Era

At 51 years old, John Ternus brings a profile markedly different from that of Tim Cook. A mechanical engineer by training, Ternus joined Apple in 2001 and has led the hardware engineering teams since 2021. He notably oversaw the development of key products, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and AirPods.

A Strategic Pivot Toward AI

Ternus’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment for Apple, as artificial intelligence has become the primary battleground in the tech sector. The company is looking to accelerate its efforts with Apple Intelligence and a new generation of Siri, especially as several competitors have already gained a significant lead in generative AI.

A Difficult Legacy to Match

Tim Cook leaves behind a profoundly transformed company. Since his arrival in 2011, Apple’s revenue has grown from $108 billion to over $416 billion in 2025. Its market capitalization has surged from approximately $350 billion to $4 trillion, according to data provided by Apple. However, the next chapter will be different. Ternus must preserve the commercial and operational strength built under Cook while accelerating innovation in AI.

No Time to Waste

The calendar leaves little time for Ternus to settle in: Apple is scheduled to unveil its next generation of iPhone on September 9, just days after his official assumption of the CEO role. For Apple, this succession is less of a rupture than a shift in priorities. After a long period dominated by operational excellence, the new CEO must convince stakeholders that the company can reclaim a leading position in the race for artificial intelligence.