Apple announced that CEO Tim Cook will step down on September 1, 2026, after nearly 15 years at the helm. He will transition to Executive Chairman, while John Ternus will become the company's next CEO.
Cook, 65, has led Apple since August 24, 2011, succeeding Steve Jobs. Under his leadership, Apple became the first company to reach $1 trillion, $2 trillion, and $3 trillion market capitalizations.
He oversaw the launches of the Apple Watch, AirPods, and M-series chips, while dramatically expanding the high-margin Services business.
Cook said, 'It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be the CEO of Apple.' He also shared his top quotes on leadership, innovation, and values, including:
- 'It's about finding your values, and committing to them.'
- 'Our whole role in life is to give you something you didn't know you wanted.'
- 'History rarely yields to one person, but think and never forget what happens when it does.'
- 'Some people see innovation as change, but we have never really seen it like that.'
- 'Companies that get confused, that think their goal is revenue or stock price or something -- you have to focus on the things that lead to those.'
- 'The sidelines are not where you want to live your life. The world needs you in the arena.'
