Tim Cook to step down as Apple CEO after 15-year tenure
Original: Tim Cook is stepping down as CEO of Apple: Here’s a look at his 15-year legacy, from new products and services to China expansion
Why This Matters
Leadership transition at world's most valuable company marks end of transformative era
Tim Cook is stepping down as Apple CEO on September 1, 2026, after 15 years leading the company. During his tenure, Apple's market cap grew from $350 billion to $4.01 trillion, with net income reaching $112 billion in fiscal 2025.
Tim Cook will hand over Apple's leadership to John Ternus, senior vice president of hardware engineering, ending his 15-year tenure as CEO. Under Cook's leadership since 2011, Apple's market capitalization increased tenfold from $350 billion to $4.01 trillion, passing major milestones including $1 trillion in 2018, $2 trillion in 2020, $3 trillion in 2022, and $4 trillion in 2025. The company reported $112 billion in net income for fiscal 2025, representing a 699% increase from 2010. Cook expanded Apple's product ecosystem beyond iPhones and computers, launching the Apple Watch in 2015, AirPods in 2016, and Apple Vision Pro in 2024. He also significantly expanded Apple's presence in China and added approximately 200 retail stores globally during his tenure.