John Ternus Becomes Apple CEO on September 1: Apple is starting a new phase in its leadership. John Ternus will step in as CEO on September 1. He will replace Tim Cook. Cook held the top role for almost 15 years. This change lands shortly before Apple’s September 9 event. Apple is set to show what comes next with its iPhone lineup.
Tim Cook will stay with the firm. He will shift to the position of executive chairman. Ternus will handle day to day leadership as CEO. Apple said the plan in April. The board signed off on it without dissent. The move is part of a longer succession plan.
Tim Cook’s Final Day As CEO
Tim Cook’s last day in the CEO role was August 31. He took over in August 2011. That was after Steve Jobs. Over the years, Cook led Apple through a run that was highly successful in business terms.
From September 1, Cook becomes Apple’s executive chairman. Apple said he will continue to contribute to the company, including on areas such as engagement with policymakers around the world.
The company remains extremely strong financially. Apple reported $109.4 billion in revenue for its fiscal third quarter ended June 27, 2026, representing a 16% year-over-year increase. Apple said iPhone, Mac and Services revenue all reached June-quarter records.
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Who Is John Ternus, Apple’s New CEO?
John Ternus is a veteran Apple hardware executive with more than two decades of experience inside the company.
Ternus joined Apple in 2001 as part of its Product Design team. He became vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2013 and joined Apple’s executive team as senior vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2021.
Before joining Apple, Ternus worked as a mechanical engineer at Virtual Research Systems. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.
His experience fits well with what Apple wants next. He has spent years building products. That is different from hiring someone from finance or operations.
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Ternus Has Worked On iPhone, iPad, Mac and AirPods.
He did not arrive as a stranger at Apple. He has been tied to the hardware plan for a long time. Apple says he led engineering efforts across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and AirPods. Apple also notes his work on newer product areas. His groups helped Apple move Mac products to Apple silicon.
Apple also points to his role in bringing in teams behind iPad and AirPods. Apple credits him with overseeing several iPhone and Mac releases over time.
John Ternus Becomes Apple CEO on September 1 Before iPhone 18 Pro Launch
The first major test of the Ternus era is already on the calendar. Apple has confirmed that its next major event will take place on September 9, 2026. The company has promoted the event with the phrase “Surprise and shine”.
Reuters reports that Apple is expected to unveil its latest iPhone series at the event, with speculation also pointing to the company’s first foldable iPhone. The event will be the first major Apple product launch under Ternus.
Reuters has described Ternus as a hardware-focused leader taking over as Apple faces the challenge of keeping pace in AI while maintaining its strength in consumer devices.
The expected iPhone 18 Pro lineup will therefore arrive at a particularly important moment for Apple. Ternus will not necessarily be responsible for every element of a product that has been in development for years, but he will be the CEO representing Apple as the new generation reaches customers.
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What to Expect From the iPhone 18 Pro Series?
Apple has not yet officially released the complete specifications of the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. Therefore, claims about specific cameras, displays, processors or design changes should still be treated as reports or leaks until Apple confirms them.
The September 9 event is expected to provide the definitive details. One of the biggest potential additions is a foldable iPhone. Reuters reports that Apple is expected to enter the foldable smartphone market, a move that could give the company a new premium product category and challenge Samsung and other established foldable-phone makers.
For Apple, the launch is about more than another annual iPhone upgrade. It could become an early signal of how aggressively Ternus intends to push the company into new hardware categories.
Tim Cook’s Apple Legacy
Cook will step down as CEO after turning Apple into a bigger worldwide technology and services company.
While he was in charge, Apple pushed past the iPhone. Services grew and took on a larger role in the company. At the same time, Apple Watch rose, AirPods moved further into the lineup and Apple silicon Macs gained more weight. Other key product lines also grew.
Reuters says Cook’s main asset was steady execution. It points to Apple’s large supply chain as a clear example. Ternus takes over next. Investors and shoppers will want the next big shift in what Apple builds.
