Tim Cook Steps Down as Apple CEO; John Ternus to Take Over

Apple Inc. announced on April 20, 2026 that CEO Tim Cook will step down from his role and transition to Executive Chairman of the Board. John Ternus, currently Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, will become Apple's next Chief Executive Officer effective September 1, 2026.
 

Key points to remember:

• Outgoing CEO: Tim Cook (served as CEO since 2011, succeeded Steve Jobs)
• Incoming CEO: John Ternus (age 51, former SVP - Hardware Engineering)
• Effective Date: September 1, 2026
• Cook's New Role: Executive Chairman of Apple's Board of Directors
• Tim Cook's tenure: 15 years as CEO; Apple's market cap grew from ~$350 billion to $4 trillion under him
• Apple was founded in: 1976 (celebrating 50th anniversary in 2026)
• Apple Headquarters: Cupertino, California, USA
• Important for: SSC CGL, Banking, UPSC General Awareness, Railways