On his last day as CEO of Apple, Tim Cook sent a memo to every employee thanking them for what the company has achieved. Cook, whose successor was announced in April 2026, wrote that he was proud of the team and of Apple's culture, saying the company's purpose was something that lived within each employee before they arrived. He reflected on the privilege of leading the company and said he would miss the work, even as he remained at peace with handing the helm to John Ternus.

Cook said he was not leaving Apple, but stepping away from a role he had loved deeply, and expressed excitement about Ternus's ability to build products that change the world. He concluded by encouraging staff to remain proud of Apple and to continue giving their best, saying he looked forward to seeing them in his new role at Apple Park and around the world.