By Team INVC | INVC NEWS
Published: September 1, 2026 | 02:01 PM IST
CUPERTINO, United States | September 1, 2026 —
The John Ternus Apple CEO era officially began Tuesday as Apple completed its first chief executive transition in 15 years, with Tim Cook moving to executive chairman after leading the company since 2011.
Ternus, previously Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, became chief executive effective September 1 and also joined the company’s board of directors.
The change was approved unanimously by Apple’s board as part of a long-term succession process announced in April.
Cook will remain closely involved with the company as executive chairman and will continue assisting with selected matters, including engagement with policymakers around the world.
John Ternus Becomes Apple’s First New CEO Since 2011
Apple announced the leadership transition on April 20, confirming that Ternus would become chief executive on September 1.
Cook remained CEO through the summer while working with Ternus on the transition.
The change ends Cook’s 15-year tenure as chief executive, a period in which Apple expanded significantly across hardware, services and global markets.
Cook succeeded Apple co-founder Steve Jobs as CEO in 2011.
Under his leadership, Apple introduced products and services including Apple Watch, AirPods, Apple Pay and Apple Vision Pro while also expanding its services business.
The company also completed the transition of its Mac lineup from Intel processors to Apple-designed silicon.
Who Is John Ternus?
John Ternus has spent approximately 25 years at Apple.
He joined the company’s product design team in 2001 and became vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2013.
In 2021, he joined Apple’s executive team as senior vice president of Hardware Engineering.
His work has covered hardware engineering across several of Apple’s major product categories.
Apple has also credited Ternus with leading work related to product reliability, durability, materials and hardware design.
Before joining Apple, Ternus worked as a mechanical engineer at Virtual Research Systems.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.
Tim Cook Remains at Apple
Cook’s move to executive chairman means he will continue to play a role at the company.
Apple has said he will assist with selected aspects of the business, including engagement with policymakers worldwide.
The arrangement provides continuity during the leadership transition while placing day-to-day executive responsibility with Ternus.
Arthur Levinson, who served as Apple’s non-executive chairman for 15 years, became lead independent director effective September 1.
Apple Has a September 9 Event Scheduled
Ternus begins his tenure just days before Apple’s next confirmed company event.
Apple has scheduled a special event for September 9 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time, or 10:30 PM IST.
The company has not publicly detailed the products or announcements planned for the event.
Apple’s official event listing identifies it only as a special Apple Event.
That makes the event one of the first major public company moments following the CEO transition, but Apple has not confirmed what role Ternus will play during the presentation.
Hardware Engineering Has Defined Ternus’ Apple Career
Ternus’ appointment places a longtime hardware executive at the top of Apple.
His career inside the company has included responsibility for engineering across major product lines as well as work involving materials, durability and manufacturing technologies.
Apple has specifically highlighted his involvement in the development of recycled aluminum alloys used across several products, 3D-printed titanium used in Apple Watch Ultra 3 and improvements related to product repairability.
His background differs from Cook’s earlier career path, which was closely associated with operations and supply-chain management before he became CEO.
Apple Enters a New Leadership Chapter
The John Ternus Apple CEO transition represents a significant change for a company that had been led by the same chief executive since 2011.
Cook remains part of Apple’s leadership structure, but the CEO title and operational responsibility now belong to Ternus.
The transition was announced months in advance and formally took effect on September 1.
For Apple, the immediate focus is continuity during the handover and execution under a new chief executive.
The company’s September 9 event will be the next major date on its public calendar.
After 15 years under Tim Cook, Apple has entered a new leadership chapter with John Ternus as chief executive.
