Tim Cook Steps Down as Apple Chief Executive Officer

Cook became Apple CEO in August 2011, succeeding Steve Jobs. During his nearly 15 year tenure, Apple launched products such as the Apple Watch and AirPods and expanded its iPhone, iPad, and Mac businesses.

In his new role as Executive Chairman, Cook will continue to work with governments around the world, including the US and China.

Tim Cook’s nearly 15-year tenure as Apple CEO ends on September 1, marking the close of a period in which the company expanded beyond the iPhone and grew its hardware and services businesses.

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Cook became CEO in August 2011, succeeding Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. During his leadership, Apple launched major products including the Apple Watch in 2015, AirPods in 2016 and Vision Pro in 2024.

Cook also led Apple’s shift from Intel processors to its own Apple Silicon chips for Mac computers, giving the company greater control over its hardware and software. At the same time, Apple’s services business became an increasingly important part of its overall growth.

During Cook’s tenure, Apple also expanded its presence in India. The company opened its first two company-owned retail stores in Mumbai and Delhi in 2023.

Apple announced the leadership change in April, saying Cook would step down as CEO and become Executive Chairman of the board. John Ternus took over as CEO on September 1 as part of Apple’s long-planned succession process.

Today is my last day as Apple’s CEO. It is difficult to believe the day has arrived, but I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead this incredible team and for all the support I have received.

Apple’s achievements are the result of its people. Cook said the team has always brought out the best in him and praised the company’s strong culture, shared purpose, and commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

He also thanked employees for building something bigger than any one person could achieve alone. Cook said Apple’s success comes from people supporting each other and working together to make a lasting difference.

“My title changes tomorrow, but the love I have for the Apple community never will,” Cook said, thanking the Apple community for being a “constant source of inspiration” and adding that his “gratitude is endless.”

Cook also said he was looking forward to the “next chapter” as he prepares to step down from the CEO role.

“As you know, I am not leaving Apple. But I am stepping away from a role that I have loved deeply,” Cook said in his email,. “I will miss this work in ways I can only begin to imagine, even as I remain completely at peace with my decision.”

On Ternus, he said that “few people understand what it takes to build products that change the world the way John does and I could not be more excited for his leadership.”

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