Tim Cook steps down as Apple CEO after 15 years, becomes executive chairman

Tim Cook posted a farewell message on the social media platform X on his last day as chief executive, thanking the Apple community and expressing optimism about the company's future. He said his title will change the next day but his affection for the community will remain.

Cook, who has led Apple since September 2011, will transition to the position of executive chairman of the board beginning September 1. He will be succeeded by John Ternus, the senior vice president of hardware engineering, who is 50 years old, the same age Cook was when he became CEO.

During Cook's tenure, Apple introduced major product lines such as AirPods, the Apple Watch, and a full redesign of its Mac computers using Apple-designed silicon, and the company reached a market value of one trillion dollars. Cook also guided Apple through various geopolitical challenges.

Ternus is expected to lead his first major product launch at the September 9 event, where Apple plans to unveil a new iPhone lineup that may include the company's first foldable device.