John Ternus, Apple's head of hardware engineering, is set to succeed Tim Cook as CEO. A look at his 25-year career, key products, and leadership philosophy.

Apple has announced that Tim Cook will step down as chief executive officer on September 1, 2026, ending a 15-year tenure at the head of one of the most valuable companies in the world. He will be succeeded by John Ternus, currently senior vice president of hardware engineering, and will remain at the company in the newly created role of executive chairman.

Apple is intensifying its succession planning as it prepares for Tim Cook to step down from his role as chief executive as soon as next year, according to a Financial Times report.