John Ternus Takes Over as Apple CEO

John Ternus is the new chief executive officer (CEO) of Apple Inc., the multinational technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California. He officially succeeded Tim Cook on 1 September 2026, after Cook spent 15 years leading the company. Ternus, who joined Apple in 2001, brings a hardware engineering background to the role, having overseen product development for the iPad, iPhone, Mac, and AirPods. The transition marks a shift from Cook's operations-focused tenure to what could be a more product-focused era for Apple, as the company expands into artificial intelligence and new wearable categories.

Key Facts

John Ternus officially became Apple CEO on 1 September 2026, with a target pay package of US$58 million for fiscal 2027.

How Did John Ternus Rise to Apple CEO?

John Ternus rose to Apple CEO through a nearly 25-year career in hardware engineering. He joined Apple in 2001 as part of its Product Design team, became vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2013, and was promoted to senior vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2021. His background contrasts sharply with Tim Cook's operations-focused leadership.

During his tenure, Ternus oversaw hardware engineering for products including the iPad, iPhone, Mac, and AirPods. He also played a key role in Apple's transition from Intel processors to Apple silicon, a multi-year initiative that reshaped the company's product lineup.

John Ternus spent nearly 25 years at Apple, joining in 2001, before being named CEO on 1 September 2026.

What Changes With Ternus as CEO?

The leadership transition took effect on 1 September 2026 in the US, with Ternus now listed as CEO on Apple's leadership page. Tim Cook has moved to the Board of Directors as executive chairman, remaining involved in certain aspects of operations, including engaging with policymakers around the world.

His appointment puts a longtime hardware and product executive in charge of Apple, potentially signalling a greater emphasis on product development following Cook's more operations-focused tenure. Ternus is also taking the reins as Apple works to expand its presence in artificial intelligence, with the company developing AI-powered software features and reportedly exploring new product categories such as smart glasses and other AI-focused wearables.

Tim Cook transitioned to executive chairman on Apple's Board of Directors after 15 years as CEO, while Ternus assumed leadership on 1 September 2026.

What Is Ternus's Compensation Package?

Apple has set a target pay package of about US$58 million (RM234 million) for Ternus in fiscal 2027, including a US$3 million salary and US$55 million in stock grants. Cook's new executive chairman role comes with a target package of US$47 million (RM190 million).

The compensation details were disclosed in a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), reflecting the board's valuation of both executives' new roles.

Apple set Ternus's fiscal 2027 target pay package at approximately US$58 million, comprising a US$3 million salary and US$55 million in stock grants.

What Was Ternus's First Post on X?

Ternus established his public presence outside Apple by setting up an official account on X under the handle @johnternus. His first post, published on 1 September 2026, contained just one word: "hello". He joins several other Apple executives on the platform, including Cook and senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing Greg Joswiak.

hello

— John Ternus (@johnternus), 1 September 2026, via X

Like his predecessor's account, Ternus's profile could eventually become another channel for product announcements, company updates and other public-facing communications, although it remains to be seen how actively he will use it.

John Ternus's first post on X, under the handle @johnternus, consisted of a single word: "hello".

When Is Ternus's First Major Public Appearance?

Ternus's first major public appearance as Apple CEO will come on 9 September 2026, when Apple hosts its fall product event. This will be his debut on the company's biggest stage since taking over leadership.

The event comes just eight days after the leadership transition took effect on 1 September, giving Ternus little time to settle into the role before facing the public.

John Ternus will make his first major public appearance as Apple CEO at the company's fall product event on 9 September 2026.

How Does Ternus's Background Compare to Cook's?

Ternus brings a very different background to the role compared to Cook. While Cook's tenure was characterized as more operations-focused, Ternus is a longtime hardware and product executive, potentially signalling a greater emphasis on product development. His hardware engineering pedigree spans nearly 25 years at Apple.

His hardware engineering pedigree includes overseeing the iPad, iPhone, Mac, and AirPods, as well as leading the transition from Intel processors to Apple silicon. This product-centric background could shape Apple's direction as it explores AI-powered features and new categories like smart glasses.

Unlike Tim Cook's operations-focused leadership, John Ternus brings a hardware engineering background spanning nearly 25 years at Apple.

Common Questions

John Ternus officially became Apple CEO on 1 September 2026, succeeding Tim Cook after a 15-year tenure.

When did John Ternus officially become Apple CEO?

John Ternus officially became Apple CEO on 1 September 2026 in the US, succeeding Tim Cook after Cook's 15-year tenure. The change is reflected on Apple's leadership page, with Ternus listed as CEO.

What was John Ternus's first post on X?

Ternus set up an official account on X under the handle @johnternus, and his first post contained just one word: "hello". The post was published on 1 September 2026, the same day he officially became Apple CEO.

What is Tim Cook's new role at Apple?

Tim Cook has moved to Apple's Board of Directors as executive chairman. He will remain involved in certain aspects of operations, including engaging with policymakers around the world, with a target compensation package of US$47 million (RM190 million).

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the Lowyat.NET report "John Ternus Officially Takes Over As Apple CEO," published at https://www.lowyat.net/2026/402881/john-ternus-officially-apple-ceo/. The report cites Apple's official leadership page (apple.com/leadership), John Ternus's individual leadership profile (apple.com/leadership/john-ternus), and Ternus's X account (@johnternus).

Currency conversions are as stated in the source: US$58 million equals approximately RM234 million, and US$47 million equals approximately RM190 million.

This article synthesizes information from Apple's official leadership page, John Ternus's X account, and the Lowyat.NET report published on 1 September 2026.

This article was last updated on 2 September 2026.