'Thank you for being a constant source of inspiration': Tim Cook bids farewell to Apple as CEO

Tim Cook bids farewell to Apple as he marks his final day as the company’s CEO, sharing an emotional message with the Apple community on Monday.

Taking to X, Cook wrote, “Sending lots of love to the Apple community on my last day as CEO.” He thanked the people who have supported and inspired him throughout his long association with the technology giant.

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Cook acknowledged that his official title would change the following day but said his affection for Apple would remain unchanged.

“My title changes tomorrow, but the love I have for the Apple community never will,” Cook wrote. He added, “Thank you for being a constant source of inspiration. My gratitude is endless, and I’m excited for the next chapter!”

Cook’s 15-Year Apple legacy

Cook became Apple’s CEO in August 2011, succeeding co-founder Steve Jobs. During his tenure, Apple grew significantly across hardware, software and services, while expanding products such as the Apple Watch and AirPods and strengthening its services business.

His leadership also saw Apple reach historic milestones in market value and increase its focus on areas including privacy, sustainability and global supply-chain diversification.

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John Ternus to become Apple’s next CEO

Apple’s next CEO will be John Ternus, the company’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, who will officially take over from Tim Cook on September 1, 2026. Apple announced the leadership transition in April, saying it followed a long-term succession planning process approved unanimously by the board.

Ternus, who has worked at Apple for more than two decades, has played a key role in the development of several generations of the iPhone, iPad and Mac. His appointment is expected to bring a strong hardware and engineering focus to Apple as it navigates artificial intelligence and future product development.