Apple has announced a major leadership transition, naming John Ternus as its next Chief Executive Officer, with current CEO Tim Cook set to move into the role of executive chairman.

Ternus, who currently leads Apple’s hardware engineering division, will officially take over as CEO on 1 September 2026, marking the first change in the company’s top leadership role in over a decade.

A 25-year Apple veteran, Ternus has played a central role in the development of the company’s core products, including the iPhone, iPad and Mac. His appointment had been widely anticipated, with industry observers long identifying him as a likely successor to Cook.

In a statement, Cook described Ternus as a “visionary” with a deep understanding of Apple’s product ecosystem and long-term direction.

The transition comes after Cook’s 15-year tenure as CEO, the longest in Apple’s history. Since taking over in 2011, Cook has overseen the company’s evolution into one of the world’s largest and most valuable corporations, expanding its product lineup and significantly growing its services business.

During his leadership, Apple introduced major new product categories such as the Apple Watch and AirPods, while also building a recurring revenue model through services like Apple Music and Apple TV.

In his new role as executive chairman, Cook is expected to focus on strategic oversight and external engagement, including relationships with policymakers and global stakeholders.

The leadership reshuffle also includes internal changes within Apple’s hardware division. Ternus’s current responsibilities will be redistributed, with senior executives taking on expanded roles within a newly structured hardware organisation.

The appointment signals continuity in Apple’s leadership approach, with the company opting for an internal successor closely aligned with its existing strategy and culture.

It also reflects the growing importance of hardware innovation as Apple continues to invest in areas such as custom silicon, wearables and next-generation devices.

The transition comes at a time when the technology sector is undergoing rapid change, driven by artificial intelligence, shifting consumer behaviour and increasing regulatory scrutiny.

With Ternus taking the helm, Apple is positioning itself to navigate its next phase of growth while maintaining the product-focused approach that has defined its success.