After 15 years as Apple CEO, Tim Cook stepped down on September 1, handing over to John Ternus. Cook will serve as executive chairman, maintaining relationships with President Donald Trump and the Chinese government. Ternus, who joined Apple in 2001 as part of the Product Design team, was promoted to senior vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2021.

The transition was marked by a farewell dinner at Apple Park featuring tributes from Ternus, Laurene Powell Jobs, and One Republic. Ternus will move into Cook's office and retain Cook's executive assistant. The leadership change precedes Apple's 'Surprise and shine' event on September 9, where foldable iPhone Ultra, iPhone 18 Pro, and new Apple Watch models are expected.

Recent unpopular announcements include hardware price increases and subscription service hikes. Cook plans to spend more time outdoors and at his Palm Springs vacation home but vows Apple will remain his 'No. 1 priority.'.