Tim Cook steps down as Apple CEO after 15 years, with insider John Ternus set to replace him

In a landmark announcement, Apple has named John Ternus as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking the end of Tim Cook's 15-year tenure at the helm. Ternus, a long-time hardware leader within the company, is tasked with guiding Apple through the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, a sector poised to reshape the tech industry. This transition signifies a new chapter for the iPhone maker, as it seeks to maintain its innovative edge and market dominance.

“

It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be the CEO of Apple and to have been trusted to lead such an extraordinary company. I love Apple with all of my being, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with a team of such ingenious, innovative, creative, and deeply caring people who have been unwavering in their dedication to enriching the lives of our customers and creating the best products and services in the world.

Tim Cook, who took over from Apple co-founder Steve Jobs in 2011, will assume the position of executive chairman. During his leadership, Cook transformed Apple from an innovation-focused entity into a global technology powerhouse. Under his watch, the iPhone achieved unprecedented sales figures, and the company solidified its reputation for cybersecurity, local US manufacturing, and environmental initiatives. His leadership style is often characterized by a move away from Jobs's intense micromanagement towards a more liberal work environment.

“

I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple’s mission forward. Having spent almost my entire career at Apple, I have been lucky to have worked under Steve Jobs and to have had Tim Cook as my mentor.

Cook expressed profound gratitude for his time as CEO, calling it the 'greatest privilege of my life.' He lauded the 'ingenious, innovative, creative, and deeply caring people' at Apple for their dedication to customers and product excellence. Ternus, in turn, conveyed his deep respect for Cook and his predecessors, stating his commitment to carrying forward Apple's mission. He highlighted his extensive career at Apple, working under both Steve Jobs and Tim Cook, and expressed optimism about the company's future. The appointment of Ternus, a seasoned engineer with a deep understanding of Apple's product development, signals a continuity of vision while embracing future technological advancements.

“

John Ternus has the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and with honor. He is a visionary whose contributions to Apple over 25 years are already too numerous to count, and he is without question the right person to lead Apple into the future. I could not be more confident in his abilities and his character, and I look forward to working closely with him on this transition and in my new role as executive chairman.