Tim Cook steps down as Apple CEO, leaving successor Turnerus to close AI gap

Tim Cook left Apple’s chief executive post after 15 years, telling employees that he was not leaving the company, only stepping away from a role he had deeply loved.

Cook took over from Steve Jobs in August 2011 and became Apple’s longest-serving CEO. During his tenure, Apple expanded products including the Apple Watch, AirPods, iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The company’s market capitalization grew from about $350 billion when he became CEO to roughly $4.5 trillion now, the article says.

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I am not leaving Apple. I am simply stepping away from a role I have deeply loved.

In a message posted on X on his final day, Cook thanked the Apple community and said his title would change but his love for its members would not. In a memo to employees, he wrote, “I am not leaving Apple. I am simply stepping away from a role I have deeply loved.” He also said the company had both the opportunity and responsibility to make the world better than it found it.

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We have made a mark on the universe.

Cook quoted a phrase associated with Steve Jobs, saying, “We have made a mark on the universe.” He attributed that achievement to the company’s identity and shared beliefs, and expressed confidence in Turnerus, saying, “Few people understand what it takes to make products that change the world as well as John does.”

Turnerus, a hardware specialist who joined Apple in 2001, had served as senior vice president of hardware engineering. He led development of the iPhone Air, MacBook Neo, and AirPods with hearing-health features, according to the article. His immediate challenges include narrowing Apple’s AI gap and reshaping its supply chain as the Donald Trump administration increases pressure over overseas iPhone production. Turnerus is scheduled to make his public debut as CEO at Apple’s product event next month.

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Few people understand what it takes to make products that change the world as well as John does.