CUPERTINO, Calif. (Diya TV) — Tim Cook will step down as chief executive of Apple, marking the end of a defining era for the world’s most valuable tech company. Cook will transition to executive chairman later this year, while longtime executive John Ternus will take over as CEO on Sept. 1.
Apple announced the leadership shift Monday, saying Cook will remain CEO through the summer to ensure a smooth transition. He will then move into his new role as executive chairman of the board. Cook called his time as CEO “the greatest privilege” of his life. He led Apple for nearly 15 years, taking over from co-founder Steve Jobs in 2011. During his tenure, Apple grew into a $4 trillion company and expanded far beyond its early products. Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, has long been seen as Cook’s successor. He joined Apple in 2001 and rose through the ranks by leading key product teams.
Cook reshaped Apple’s identity in the post-Jobs era. He expanded the company’s focus beyond the iPhone, which remains its most important product. Under Cook, Apple launched new categories like the Apple Watch and AirPods. It also pushed into services with platforms such as Apple TV+. These moves helped Apple build a strong services business, now its second-largest division.
Cook also emphasized health and wellness. He often described the Apple Watch as a life-saving device. In past interviews, he said Apple’s greatest contribution to society would likely come in health. Beyond products, Cook guided Apple through major global challenges. He managed operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and handled supply chain disruptions tied to global tensions. He also worked closely with U.S. policymakers, including former President Donald Trump, on trade and manufacturing issues.
In recent years, Apple faced growing pressure to keep up in artificial intelligence. Its efforts have lagged behind rivals like ChatGPT and Gemini. The company delayed a major update to Siri, raising concerns among analysts. Its push into virtual reality with the Vision Pro also struggled to gain mainstream traction. These challenges come as Apple looks for growth beyond the iPhone. While the iPhone remains central, investors want to see stronger innovation in AI and emerging technologies.
Ternus will take over at a critical moment. He played a key role in developing products like the iPad and AirPods. He recently led the launch of the MacBook Neo, a lower-cost MacBook aimed at a wider audience. In a statement, Ternus said he feels “humbled” to lead Apple and plans to continue its values and vision. His leadership will face immediate scrutiny, especially in AI development and product innovation.
Apple is expected to unveil major updates later this year. The company may introduce improvements to Siri at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June. It is also rumored to be working on a foldable iPhone, signaling another attempt to redefine the smartphone market. Ternus will need to deliver results quickly. Analysts say the company must prove it can compete in AI while maintaining its dominance in hardware and services.
Cook leaves behind a strong foundation. He turned Apple into a global powerhouse and expanded its reach across industries. As Ternus steps in, the company enters a new chapter with high expectations and intense competition. The transition marks not just a leadership change, but a test of Apple’s ability to evolve in a fast-changing tech landscape.
