🍎Apple Announces Leadership Change: Cook Will Step Down as CEO, John Ternu to Succeed (Includes Cook’s Letter to All Staff)

The achievements during Cook’s era at Apple can be summarized as—
When he took over in 2011, Apple’s market value was about $350 billion ▶️ By 2026, Apple’s market value has surpassed $4 trillion (more than 11 times)
In 2011, annual revenue was $108 billion ▶️ In 2025, revenue reached $416 billion
As of now, the number of active iPhone devices worldwide has reached a record 2.5 billion.
Let’s take a look at the resume of the new CEO ⬇️
Joined Apple in 2001, starting as a product design engineer. He gained deep experience during the golden eras of Jobs and Ive, and in 2021, became Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering.
Apple announced John Ternu as the new CEO, which also sends a strong signal: a return to the unity of product and technology.
An “engineer-turned” CEO, his current mission is to lead Apple into the deep waters of AI-native hardware and spatial computing (Vision Pro).
A letter to all Apple team members
From: Tim Cook (Tim Cook)
Date: April 20, 2026
Subject: The end of one journey, the beginning of a new chapter
Team members:
Every day working at Apple is a great honor. Today, with mixed feelings, I announce that I will step down as Apple’s CEO and will officially transition to Chairman and CEO in September this year.
Fifteen years ago, when I was fortunate enough to take on this great responsibility, I knew I was inheriting the world’s greatest legacy. During those challenging years, we not only protected this legacy but also co-wrote our own legend.
Looking back, I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together:
We not only defined smartphones but also redefined health management through Apple Watch, and changed the way music is experienced with AirPods.
We successfully achieved the leap of Apple Silicon, bringing Mac back to the peak of innovation.
We are opening a new era driven by AI through Apple Intelligence, and showcasing the infinite possibilities of spatial computing with Vision Pro.
More importantly, we have always adhered to our values. Whether in privacy protection, environmental sustainability, or pursuing product excellence with inclusivity, Apple has always been the “beacon of possibility.”
I know many will ask: “What’s next for Apple?”
I am very excited to announce that the board has officially appointed John Ternus (John Ternus) as the next CEO. Over the more than twenty years working with John, I have witnessed his passion for products, dedication to engineering excellence, and deep understanding of Apple’s spirit. He is a visionary leader, and I am confident he will lead Apple into the next decade.
For me personally, in the coming months, I will focus on helping John with a smooth transition. Afterwards, as Chairman, I will still be here to support this beloved team.
Finally, I want to thank all of you—every employee around the world. It is your talent, passion, and relentless creativity that have made Apple what it is today. It has been my greatest privilege to work alongside you.
The best times are still ahead.
Tim (Tim)