TechCrunch
Tim Cook’s parting message: Apple is in the hands of a product builder
Monday, August 31, 2026
Tim Cook sent a memo to Apple employees announcing his departure and introducing John Ternus as his successor. Cook described Ternus as a product builder with experience across multiple hardware lines including iPhone, Mac, and AirPods. Ternus was named Chief Executive Officer of Apple, replacing Cook who held the position since 2011. The memo was distributed to staff on the date of Cook's transition.
