Apple has formally announced the transition in which Tim Cook will step down as CEO and John Ternus will become his successor. The key points cover Cook's departure date, the company's future leadership structure and Ternus's background.
Apple's Tim Cook, who became CEO in 2011 and led the company for 15 years, will step down as CEO with 31 August as his final day. His departure will take effect on 1 September, and he is expected to remain with Apple as chairman of the board.
John Ternus will become CEO. Ternus joined Apple in 2001, worked in the Hardware Design division and became its senior vice president (SVP) in 2021, overseeing hardware development for the iPhone, iPad, Mac and AirPods, among other products.
TechCrunch said Ternus's appointment could signal a move to put hardware and product development at the forefront in the next era. An ultra-thin iPhone Air, a lower-priced MacBook Neo and new directions for the AirPods are already being discussed. There have also been reports that the launches of new Mac mini and Mac Studio models are being brought forward in response to demand for AI.
According to Bloomberg, Cook's memo said little about specific policies concerning AI and services, but emphasized his gratitude for the opportunity to lead Apple and the importance of the company's culture of making the world a better place.
Cook will remain at Apple as chairman of the board, and plans have also been outlined to transfer responsibility for App Store operations to the Services division overseen by Eddie Cue. Phil Schiller also announced on the same day that he would leave his role at Apple, drawing further attention to the company's future personnel changes.