Tim Cook will leave his position as Apple’s chief executive officer on September 1, bringing an end to his long tenure. Apple hardware engineering chief John Ternus will succeed him, while Cook will remain with the company as executive chairman.
Cook’s final day as CEO comes after years at the top of Apple, where he succeeded Steve Jobs in 2011. Ahead of the leadership change, Cook has shared messages with both Apple employees and customers reflecting on his time in the role and his plans for the next chapter.
In a memo sent to Apple employees on his final day as CEO, Cook expressed his appreciation for the company’s workforce and said that his accomplishments were made possible by the people around him.
Cook also emphasised Apple’s culture and the company’s broader purpose, describing the organisation as a place where employees share a belief that the products they create can have a meaningful impact.
Although he is stepping away from the CEO position, Cook made clear that he is not leaving Apple altogether. He said he is comfortable handing leadership of the company to Ternus and praised his successor’s understanding of product development.
Memo as they shared it below:
Team,
Today is my last day as CEO of Apple. This is a moment I always knew would come one day, and yet it is still hard to believe it has arrived and I am writing these words. I love this company and the team behind it, and I couldn’t let this day pass without sending a note to you, to tell you how grateful I am for the outpouring of affection you’ve sent my way, for the way you’ve shown up each and every day, and most of all, for the privilege of a lifetime serving as your leader.
The truth is, whatever there is to say about my success, I know it is all because of you. You have brought out the best in me. In all my life, I have never seen or been with such an extraordinary team of people before, and every day I get to see more examples of that.
There is something truly special about Apple. I am most proud of what an annual report could never capture. This place is proof that culture triumphs over everything. We share a belief that what we build matters, and that we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to leave the world better than we found it.
That purpose is part of what makes this place extraordinary. Apple helps nurture it, but I believe it lived within each of you long before you arrived here. It is what brought you to this company and what continues to drive the work you do every day. Together, we have created something far greater than any one of us could have imagined or accomplished alone. And that’s the secret to our success.
We bring out the best in each other. We lift each other up. We have made it possible to leave our “dent in the universe,” as Steve once described it, because of who we are and what we believe, because of what we value and how we see the world. How fortunate we are. How fortunate I am.
As you know, I am not leaving Apple. But I am stepping away from a role that I have loved deeply. I will miss this work in ways I can only begin to imagine, even as I remain completely at peace with my decision. I will miss leading you and being with you for every step, even as I take enormous comfort in handing the helm to someone as brilliant and wonderful and capable as John. Few people understand what it takes to build products that change the world the way John does and I could not be more excited for his leadership.
I hope you know how much I appreciate you and what an honor it has been to be your CEO. Most of all, I hope you will continue to be proud to be part of this remarkable place we call Apple and always give it your very best. When we bring our whole selves to this work, with care for one another and for the people we serve, there is no limit to the profound difference we can make.
I look forward to seeing you in my new role at Apple Park and around the world.
With all I have and all I am, I am always
Yours,
Tim
John Ternus Set to Lead Apple
Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, will become CEO on September 1.
Cook has expressed confidence in Ternus’s ability to lead the company, particularly highlighting his experience in developing Apple’s products. The leadership transition represents one of Apple’s most significant executive-level changes in more than a decade.
Cook will continue to have a role at Apple as executive chairman, allowing him to remain involved with the company while stepping away from day-to-day responsibility as CEO.
Cook also addressed the Apple community publicly ahead of the transition.
In a social media message, he thanked customers for their continued support and said that although his title would change, his connection to the Apple community would remain.
Sending lots of love to the Apple community on my last day as CEO. 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!
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) August 31, 2026
The CEO transition comes as Apple continues to make changes across several areas of its business.
A recent report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman revealed previously unreported details about layoffs connected to Apple’s Vision Pro efforts. According to the report, affected roles included employees involved with security, audio engineering, Siri integration, testing and visionOS.
The report also highlighted an unusual executive security-related job listing at Apple. The position reportedly requires a bodyguard capable of hiking and backpacking for several miles in difficult outdoor environments.
Cook is known for his interest in hiking and U.S. national parks, leading to speculation that the position could be connected to his personal security as he potentially gains more time for outdoor activities after leaving the CEO role.
