While it is already 1 September in Malaysia, Tim Cook is still spending his final day as Apple CEO in the US. After 15 years leading the company, Cook took to X to share an emotional message with the Apple community ahead of his transition to a new role.
“Sending lots of love to the Apple community on my last day as CEO,” Cook wrote. “My title changes tomorrow, but the love I have for the Apple community never will.” He also thanked the community for being a constant source of inspiration, adding that he was excited for the next chapter.
Cook Praises Incoming CEO John Ternus
Cook also sent a memo to Apple employees, reflecting on his time as CEO and thanking staff for their work throughout his tenure. In the memo, obtained by 9to5Mac, Cook said he takes “enormous comfort in handing the helm to someone as brilliant and wonderful and capable” as John Ternus. “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,” Cook wrote.
Cook became Apple CEO in August 2011, succeeding Steve Jobs shortly before the latter’s death in October that year. He will officially step down from the role on 1 September in the US, becoming executive chairman of Apple’s board of directors instead.
Tim Cook Remains Involved With Apple
Despite leaving the CEO position, Cook is not stepping away from Apple entirely. Bloomberg reports that as executive chairman, he will continue handling the company’s relationships with governments around the world, including those of the US and China.
Cook will be succeeded by John Ternus, Apple’s current Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering. At 50, Ternus is the same age Cook was when he became Apple CEO in 2011.
Ternus will take on the role just days before Apple’s next major product event, which is scheduled for 9 September. His first major public appearance as CEO will see him host the company’s fall launch event, where Apple is expected to unveil its latest iPhones alongside its first foldable iPhone.
The event will also likely be the first Apple launch to not feature Cook’s famous “Good morning” greeting. And, we have to admit, that’s going to hit a little differently.
