End of the Cook era: Apple has a new CEO for the first time in 15 years

Published on 02/09/2026 - 6:47 GMT+2

Apple has a new boss for the first time in 15 years — and he is stepping into some famously large shoes.

John Ternus took the helm from Tim Cook on Tuesday, who hands over a company worth $4.6 trillion (€4tn) after growing it from less than $350 billion during his tenure — a run that turned him into one of the most consequential CEOs in tech history.

The transition comes at a pivotal time for Apple.

Artificial intelligence has triggered one of the biggest upheavals in the industry since Steve Jobs unveiled the first iPhone in 2007, and Apple has got off to a rough start, stumbling in its efforts to deliver new AI features it promised nearly two years ago.

Earlier this year, the company unveiled new AI advances, including upgrades to its Siri assistant, with an emphasis on privacy and everyday use as it tries to catch up with rivals.

Ternus faces challenges that will push him well outside his comfort zone in hardware engineering.

Beyond keeping Apple competitive in the AI race, he will need to navigate supply chain questions and relationships with figures such as US President Donald Trump, who publicly praised Cook on Tuesday.

Cook cultivated ties with Trump while steering the company through Trump's trade and tariff war targeting countries in Asia, where Apple has extensive manufacturing supply chains.

Although he is handing over the CEO role, Cook is widely expected to help Apple maintain its relationship with Trump in his new role as executive chairman.

Ternus worked on some of Apple's signature products under Cook, including the Apple Watch, AirPods and Apple Vision Pro.

He will headline next week's launch of the latest iPhone at Apple's Cupertino, California, headquarters.