Tim Cook steps down as Apple CEO after 15 years, hands reins to John Ternus

CALIFORNIA: After years at the top, Tim Cook has officially called time on his run as Apple CEO, closing a 15-year chapter at the helm while staying on at the company in a new role.

In a message to Apple employees on his final day as chief executive, Cook said he was stepping away from a role he had “loved deeply”, but would remain part of the company. He also expressed confidence in his successor, John, describing him as “brilliant and wonderful and capable”.

Cook took over as Apple CEO in 2011, succeeding Steve Jobs, and went on to lead the company through a period of significant expansion across products, services and global markets.

In his farewell note, Cook credited Apple’s employees for whatever success he had achieved, saying the team had consistently brought out the best in him.

“The truth is, whatever there is to say about my success, I know it is all because of you,” Cook wrote.

He said his greatest pride lay beyond the figures typically captured in Apple’s annual reports, pointing to the company’s culture and its belief that the products it creates should make the world better.

Cook also invoked Jobs’ famous description of making a “dent in the universe”, saying Apple’s culture had allowed employees to create something bigger than any individual could achieve alone.

Despite leaving the CEO position, Cook stressed that his relationship with Apple was far from over.

“As you know, I am not leaving Apple. But I am stepping away from a role that I have loved deeply,” he wrote, adding that he looked forward to seeing employees in his new role at Apple Park and around the world.

Cook also praised John, saying few people understood what it takes to build products that “change the world” in the way his successor does. He said he was excited about the company’s next chapter under the new leadership.

The transition also drew a reaction from Elon Musk, who congratulated Cook on what he called an “epic career at Apple”.

Cook separately posted on X that his title would change the following day but his affection for the Apple community would not.

His departure from the CEO role marks a significant leadership transition for Apple, but his continued presence means the company is not losing one of its most recognisable leaders entirely. For Cook, it is less an Apple exit than a change of title.