Tim Cook Steps Down as Apple CEO

Tim Cook will step down as CEO of Apple in September 2026 after nearly 15 years in the role. The 65-year-old has made the decision to hand over the leadership of the company to new hands. John Ternus, the current head of hardware, has been named as his successor. Cook took on the role of CEO in August 2011 after Steve Jobs resigned. Under his leadership, Apple has launched significant products such as the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

The company's market capitalization rose during his tenure from about $350 billion to over $2.5 trillion. Cook's decision to retire comes at a time when Apple faces challenges, including increasing competition in the smartphone market and the need to explore new sources of growth. Analysts have pointed out that Ternus, who has been with Apple since 2013, has extensive experience in product development. Ternus was instrumental in the development of the latest iPhone models and has also driven the introduction of Apple Silicon. These chips have significantly improved the performance of Mac computers and reduced reliance on Intel.

Ternus is seen as someone who can continue Apple's culture of innovation. Cook will remain as an advisor to the company to ensure a smooth transition. He has emphasized that he is proud of Apple's achievements and that the company is well-positioned for future growth. "I am confident that John is the right person to lead Apple into the next era," Cook said in an internal memo. The official handover of the CEO position will take place on September 1, 2026.

Ternus will then take responsibility for the strategic direction of the company. Analysts expect him to focus on the development of services and software to reduce reliance on hardware sales. The reaction to the news of Cook's retirement has been mixed. While some investors are concerned about the changes, others see the potential for fresh ideas and innovations under Ternus.

Apple's stock initially reacted with a slight decline but quickly stabilized. Cook has also placed great emphasis on sustainability during his tenure. Apple has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030. Ternus is expected to continue these initiatives and possibly set new environmental goals to strengthen corporate responsibility. The announcement of the leadership change comes at a time when Apple is also working on developing new technologies, including augmented reality and artificial intelligence.

Ternus is expected to advance these areas to secure Apple's leadership in innovation. The coming months will be crucial to observe how the company's strategy will evolve under Ternus. Expectations for his ability to lead the company in a rapidly changing technology market are high. Analysts predict that Apple will continue to play a key role in the technology industry. Apple's official announcement regarding the leadership change will be released on April 22, 2026.