Tim Cook will not appear in Apple's September iPhone 18 Pro event video, according to Mark Gurman's "Power On" newsletter. The former CEO, who recently transitioned to chairman of the board, will attend the screening at Apple Park but cedes the public-facing role to new CEO John Ternus. Gurman notes Cook's absence prevents undermining Ternus during his first week leading the company into the folding iPhone era.

Cook has already bid farewell through his final earnings call, staff memo, and WWDC keynote appearance. Behind the scenes, Cook has moved out of the Section 7 CEO office at Apple Park, with Ternus taking over the executive suite. The leadership transition includes mutual public praise and internal communications, though Cook remains active with a $2 million base salary and potential $45 million in restricted stock units by 2027 — significantly more than predecessor Art Levinson's $560,000 compensation.

Cook indicated he will continue working across Apple campuses globally in his new capacity.