John Ternus Takes Over as Apple CEO as Company Updates Leadership Page

Apple has formally installed John Ternus as its chief executive officer, marking the completion of a long-planned leadership transition from Tim Cook. The change was reflected on Apple’s official leadership page on Sept. 1, with Ternus now listed as CEO and Cook serving as executive chairman.

The transition was originally announced by Apple in April, when the company said Ternus would succeed Cook effective Sept. 1, 2026. The move was unanimously approved by Apple’s board and described by the company as the result of a long-term succession planning process.

Ternus Moves From Hardware to the Top Executive Role

Ternus joined Apple’s product design team in 2001 and became vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2013. He joined Apple’s executive team in 2021 as senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, overseeing engineering work across products including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and AirPods.

His appointment represents a leadership transition from one of Apple’s longest-serving executives to an executive whose career has been closely tied to the company’s hardware development. Apple has credited Ternus with contributing to new product lines and multiple generations of its major devices.

To prepare for the change, Apple also appointed Johny Srouji as chief hardware officer in April. Srouji assumed broader responsibility for Hardware Engineering, the organization previously led by Ternus, while continuing to oversee Apple’s Hardware Technologies group.

Cook Remains Closely Connected to Apple

Cook, who became Apple CEO in 2011, has moved into the role of executive chairman of the board. Apple said he would continue contributing to certain areas of the business, including engagement with policymakers around the world. Arthur Levinson, meanwhile, became Apple’s lead independent director.

The leadership change comes as Apple continues to manage a technology landscape increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, custom silicon, hardware innovation and regulatory scrutiny. Ternus’ background in product engineering gives him extensive familiarity with the company’s hardware operations, while his new position places responsibility for the broader business strategy on his shoulders.

Apple’s leadership page now identifies Ternus as CEO, confirming that the succession announced earlier this year has moved from planning to execution. The immediate focus will be how the new leadership structure develops as Apple enters the next phase under Ternus.

Data source: Cointelegraph

writer: Ethan Collins
Crypto Journalist
Ethan Collins reports on developments across the cryptocurrency and blockchain sector. His work covers market movements, protocol updates, regulatory changes, and emerging trends in digital assets.
He focuses on presenting complex topics in a clear and accessible manner for a broad readership.