Tim Cook stepped down as chief executive of Apple on August 31, 2026, TechCrunch reported. The departure marks the end of a 15-year leadership run that began in 2011 when Cook succeeded co-founder Steve Jobs.
Apple grew into a global technology powerhouse reaching billions of people during Cook's tenure. On his final day in the role, Cook sent a memo to company staff expressing gratitude for their daily work and calling his time as leader the privilege of a lifetime. Cook wrote that whatever success he achieved came because of the extraordinary team, adding that employees consistently brought out the best in him.
Cook stressed the importance of company values in his message, writing that Apple provides proof that culture triumphs over everything. He told workers that they share a belief that what they build matters, along with an obligation to leave the world better than they found it. Cook noted that the staff made it possible to leave a "dent in the universe," invoking the phrase once used by Jobs.
John Ternus takes over as Apple's new chief executive. Cook praised Ternus as brilliant, wonderful, and capable, writing that few people understand how to build world-changing products as well as he does. Cook stated that he is not leaving Apple entirely, confirming he will step into a new role based at Apple Park and around the world.
