Apple’s new CEO John Ternus assumes office as Tim Cook ends 15-year run

Abdullateef Fowewe

Apple’s new Chief Executive Officer, John Ternus, has made his first post on X, writing simply, “Hello,” as he officially assumed leadership of the iPhone maker on Tuesday.

The brief message marked Ternus’ public debut on the social-media platform and came on his first day as Apple CEO, succeeding Tim Cook, who has moved into the role of executive chairman after 15 years at the helm of the company.

Elon Musk was among the early respondents to Ternus’ post, replying, “Congrats!” The message quickly attracted widespread attention across the technology community, recording more than 99,000 likes and millions of views, according to posts circulating on X.

Apple announced the leadership transition in April, saying Ternus — then the company’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering would become CEO effective September 1, while Cook would take over as executive chairman of Apple’s board.

Cook remained CEO through the summer to oversee what Apple described as a smooth transition.

Ternus, who joined Apple in 2001 and spent years leading major hardware-development efforts, takes charge as the company seeks to strengthen its artificial-intelligence strategy and expand its hardware ambitions.

The succession also places one of Apple’s longtime product and engineering executives in the company’s most powerful operational role.

Cook, meanwhile, bid farewell to the CEO position in a message to the Apple community on his final day in office.

“Sending lots of love to the Apple community on my last day as CEO,” Cook wrote on Monday.

He added, “My title changes tomorrow, but the love I have for the Apple community never will.

“Thank you for being a constant source of inspiration. My gratitude is endless, and I’m excited for the next chapter!”

Cook became Apple CEO in 2011, succeeding co-founder Steve Jobs. Although he has stepped away from day-to-day leadership, he will remain at Apple as executive chairman and is expected to assist the company in selected areas, including engagement with policymakers worldwide.

The handover to Ternus marks Apple’s biggest leadership transition in 15 years, opening a new chapter for the technology giant as it navigates intensifying competition in artificial intelligence, smartphones and next-generation consumer devices.