Apple’s new CEO, John Ternus, takes over from Tim Cook after 15 years

PUBLISHED Sep 1, 2026, 2:41 PM ET

John Ternus officially became Apple’s chief executive on Tuesday, succeeding Tim Cook after 15 years at the helm of the world’s most valuable technology company. Apple announced the succession in April, saying the board unanimously approved the transition. Cook became executive chairman and will continue assisting the company, including through engagement with policymakers worldwide. Ternus, a 25-year Apple veteran and former senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, takes charge as Apple confronts competition in artificial intelligence, delays involving Siri capabilities, supply-chain pressures and geopolitical risks surrounding manufacturing. Apple’s leadership page now lists Ternus as CEO and Cook as executive chair. Reuters and other coverage put Apple’s market value above $4.5 trillion, while AP reported $4.6 trillion. Ternus is scheduled to lead Apple’s September 9 product event in Cupertino, his first launch as CEO. The transition preserves continuity while placing greater responsibility on Ternus for AI, products, operations and government relations.

By James Porter | JQJO News

Explain Framing

Left: Coverage emphasizes AI shortcomings, geopolitical pressures, regulation, and corporate accountability. Center: Coverage emphasizes succession facts, leadership continuity, AI challenges, and documented business performance. Right: Evidence was insufficient for a distinct right-leaning framing pattern.