John Ternus has officially taken over as Apple’s new chief executive officer, succeeding Tim Cook after the latter spent 15 years at the helm of the company. The leadership transition took effect on 1 September in the US, marking the end of Cook’s tenure and the beginning of what could be a more product-focused era for Apple.
The change is now reflected on Apple’s leadership page, with Ternus listed as CEO while Cook has moved to the company’s Board of Directors as executive chairman. Cook will remain involved in certain aspects of Apple’s operations, including engaging with policymakers around the world, but Ternus is now responsible for leading the company.
From Hardware Chief To CEO
Ternus brings a very different background to the role compared to Cook. He joined Apple in 2001 as part of its Product Design team and became vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2013, before being promoted to senior vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2021. During his nearly 25 years at Apple, he has overseen hardware engineering for products including the iPad, iPhone, Mac and AirPods, while also playing a key role in the company’s transition from Intel processors to Apple silicon.
His appointment puts a longtime hardware and product executive in charge of Apple, potentially signalling a greater emphasis on product development following Cook’s more operations-focused tenure. Ternus is also taking the reins as Apple works to expand its presence in artificial intelligence, with the company developing AI-powered software features and reportedly exploring new product categories such as smart glasses and other AI-focused wearables.
The transition also comes with a change in compensation. Apple has set a target pay package of about US$58 million (RM234 million) for Ternus in fiscal 2027, including a US$3 million salary and US$55 million in stock grants, while Cook’s new executive chairman role comes with a target package of US$47 million (RM190 million).
Ternus Makes His X Debut
Ternus has also wasted little time establishing his public presence outside of Apple, with the new CEO setting up an official account on X under the handle @johnternus. Amusingly, rather than a lengthy introduction, his first post contained just one word: “hello”.
Ternus joins several other Apple executives on the social media platform, including Cook and senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing Greg Joswiak. Like his predecessor’s account, Ternus’ profile could eventually become another channel for product announcements, company updates and other public-facing communications, although it remains to be seen how actively he will use it.
First Major Test Comes Next Week
Ternus will not have to wait long for his first major public appearance as Apple CEO. His debut on the company’s biggest stage will come on 9 September 2026, when Apple hosts its fall product event.
(Source: Apple official website [1] [2] / John Ternus, via X)
