Ternus will succeed Cook as Apple’s CEO
I’m happy to see the rumors were true that John Ternus will succeed Tim Cook as Apple’s CEO in September: Apple announced that Tim Cook will become executive chairman of Apple’s board of directors and John Ternus, senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, will become Apple’s next chief executive officer effective on September 1, 2026. The transition, which was approved unanimously by the Board of Directors, follows a thoughtful, long-term succession planning process. While no one can know right now how his leadership will differ from Cook’s, Ternus appears to be a worthy candidate: product-focused, likable, with a proven track record: Ternus’s work on Mac has helped the category become more powerful and more popular globally than at any time in its 40-year history. That includes the recent introduction of MacBook Neo, an all-new laptop that makes the Mac experience even more accessible to more people around the world. This past fall, his team’s efforts were on full display with the introduction of a redefined iPhone lineup, including the incredibly powerful iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, the radically thin and durable iPhone Air, and the iPhone 17, which has been an incredible upgrade for users. Under his leadership, his team also drove advancements in AirPods to make them the world’s best in-ear headphones, with unprecedented active noise cancellation, as well as the capability to become an all-in-one hearing health system that can serve as over-the-counter hearing aids. His personal quote in the press release is charming: “ I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple’s mission forward,” said Ternus. “ Having spent almost my entire career at Apple, I have been lucky to have worked under Steve Jobs and to have had Tim Cook as my mentor. It has been a privilege to help shape the products and experiences that have changed so much of how we interact with the world and with one another. I am filled with optimism about what we can achieve in the years to come, and I am so happy to know that the most talented people on earth are here at Apple, determined to be part of something bigger than any one of us. I am humbled to step into this role, and I promise to lead with the values and vision that have come to define this special place for half a century.” I’m on the record as being disappointed in Cook’s leadership of late, but he’s had a 15-year tenure — longer than any previous Apple CEO — with many ups and downs. His personal letter to the community ( archived ) is humanizing. I’m glad he wrote it: This is not goodbye. But at this moment of transition, I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you. Not on behalf of the company, this time, though there is a wellspring of gratitude for you that overflows inside our walls. But simply on behalf of me. Tim. A person who grew up in a rural place in a different time and, for these magical moments, got to be the CEO of the greatest company in the world. Thank you for the confidence and kindness you’ve shown me. Thank you for saying hi to me on the street and in our stores. Thank you for cheering alongside me when we unveiled a new product or service. Thank you, most of all, for believing in me to lead the company that has always put you at the center of our work. Every day we get up and think about what we can do to make your life a little bit better. And every day, you’ve made mine the best I could have asked for. And let’s not forget Johny Srouji, who I would presume was on the short list of candidates for CEO , but has ended up as Chief Hardware Officer — a brand-new title made just for him: Apple today announced that, effective immediately, Apple executive Johny Srouji will become chief hardware officer. Srouji, who most recently served as senior vice president of Hardware Technologies, will assume an expanded role leading Hardware Engineering, which John Ternus most recently oversaw, as well as the hardware technologies organization. I have been sitting on this title for years. https:// 512pixels.net/2026/04/cook-out/ gotta catch ’ em all RE : https:// techhub.social/@Techmeme /11643 8959705663471 …and now his watch has ended. Apple announces that John Ternus, senior VP of Hardware Engineering, will become Apple’s next CEO on September 1; Tim Cook will become executive chairman (Business Wire) https://www . businesswire.com/news/home/202 60420318241/en/ http://www . techmeme.com/260420/p24#a26042 0p24 Beginning in September, Apple will have had two CEOs named John, still behind the three going by Michael or Mike. Tim Cooked. We need fewer “ Cooked” puns and more “ I’ll Ternus car right around” puns. Mom says it’s my Ternus the CEO https://www . apple.com/newsroom/2026/04/tim -cook-to-become-apple-executive-chairman-john-ternus-to-become-apple-ceo/ Assistant TO the regional CEO. HeyDingus is a blog by Jarrod Blundy about technology, the great outdoors, and other musings. If you like what you see — the blog posts , shortcuts , wallpapers , scripts , or anything — please consider leaving a tip , checking out my store , or just sharing my work. Your support is much appreciated! I’m always happy to hear from you on social , or by good ol' email .