On his final day as CEO of Apple, Tim Cook expressed strong support for his successor, John Ternus, who previously served as the company’s senior vice president of hardware engineering. In a message to staff, Cook reassured them that although he was stepping down from the CEO role, he was not leaving Apple, emphasizing Ternus’s exceptional capability to develop impactful products.
Ternus’ ascent to leadership suggests that Apple will increasingly prioritize hardware and product delivery in the coming years. Under his guidance, Apple has launched several noteworthy products, including the sleek new iPhone Air, the cost-effective MacBook Neo, and AirPods featuring hearing health functionality. He has overseen the hardware engineering of the entire Apple device range.
As the company enters the AI landscape, hardware will be vital, encompassing both chips and the devices used to facilitate enterprise AI applications. This year, Apple has already expedited the release of new models, such as the Mac mini and Mac Studio, in response to rising demands related to AI technology.
Cook’s message, which has been widely reported, provided little insight about Apple’s strategy regarding AI, service offerings, regulatory matters, or challenges related to China. Instead, he focused on expressing gratitude for the opportunity to lead Apple and praised the company’s culture as fundamentally important.
“We share a belief in the importance of our work and recognize both the opportunity and responsibility to improve the world,” Cook stated. He quoted the late Steve Jobs regarding making a “dent in the universe” and highlighted that this aspiration is possible because of “who we are, what we value, and how we perceive the world.”
Cook will transition to the role of executive chairman, where he will continue to foster political relationships, including those with key figures like the President and the Chinese government.
On social media, Cook shared: “Sending lots of love to the Apple community on my last day as CEO. My title may change tomorrow, but my affection for this community remains unwavering. Thank you for being a source of constant inspiration. My gratitude is limitless, and I look forward to the next chapter!”
Below is a complete excerpt from his message to the team:
Team,
Today marks my last day as CEO of Apple. This day has always seemed inevitable, yet it’s hard to comprehend that it has finally arrived. I am deeply fond of this company and its incredible team. I felt it was essential to take a moment to express my gratitude for the overwhelming support I’ve received from you all, for your dedication day after day, and most importantly, for the honor of leading you.
In truth, any recognition of my successes belongs to you. You have inspired me to strive for excellence. Throughout my life, I have never encountered a team as extraordinary as this one, and every day I witness fresh examples of that brilliance.
Apple is truly unique. My pride comes not from any annual report but from the culture we’ve built together. We share a conviction that our work is meaningful, and we have both the chance and the duty to enhance the world around us. That mission drives this exceptional place. Apple fosters that spirit, but it has always existed within each of you before joining us. It is what led you to this company and what continues to motivate your work.
Together, we have achieved outcomes beyond what any of us could have envisioned alone. That collaborative spirit is the key to our success. We uplift one another, allowing us to leave our “dent in the universe,” as Steve once phrased it, driven by our shared values and perspectives. How fortunate we are, and I feel immensely lucky.
I am not leaving Apple, but I am stepping back from a role I cherish. I will miss the day-to-day interactions and the work, even though I find comfort in knowing I am passing the baton to someone as talented and capable as John. Very few can grasp what it takes to create world-changing products like John does, and I am thrilled about his leadership.
I hope you all understand how much I appreciate you and how honored I feel to have served as your CEO. Above all, I hope you remain proud to be part of this extraordinary company and continue to give your best. When we bring our entire selves to our work, with consideration for each other and for those we serve, there are no limits to the remarkable impact we can make.
I look forward to seeing you at Apple Park and around the world in my new capacity.
With all that I am, I am always.
Yours,
Tim
