Tim Cook to step down as Apple CEO as hardware chief John Ternus takes over

Apple on Monday (April 20, 2026) named insider John Ternus ‌as its next CEO, tasking ​the long-time hardware chief ⁠to steer the company after Tim Cook as the iPhone maker gears up ‌for an industry change spurred by artificial intelligence.

Mr. Ternus, who joined ‌Apple in 2001, has recently ‌overseen ⁠the company’s hardware engineering efforts ⁠and has played a key role in reigniting sales of products such as Apple’s ​Mac computers, which ‌have gained market share in recent years.