Tim Cook Steps Down as Apple CEO After 15 Years; Johny Srouji to Succeed

Tim Cook is set to conclude one of the longest tenures in Apple’s modern history, stepping down from the role of Chief Executive Officer after 15 years at the company’s helm. Johny Srouji will assume the position of CEO effective 1 September 2026. In an exclusive interview with Jo Ling Kent of CBS News, Cook was asked what he hopes people will remember about him. He did not cite Apple’s market valuation, its product lineup, or its financial success. Instead, he offered a succinct answer: “a good and decent person.” He added, “If they say that in the end, I feel like I’ve accomplished something.”

From Jobs’ Successor to Apple’s Longest-Serving CEO

Cook became Apple’s CEO on 24 August 2011, as Steve Jobs’ health deteriorated. Jobs died on 5 October of that year following a battle with a rare form of pancreatic cancer. Cook’s ascension placed him in one of the most closely watched leadership roles in the technology sector. He had already been a central figure inside Apple for years prior to becoming CEO, having joined the company in 1998 as Senior Vice President of Worldwide Operations. He was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2005.

Jobs’ Guiding Advice That Shaped Cook’s Leadership

Cook’s view of leadership extended beyond financial metrics and quarterly results. Among the lessons he carried forward from Steve Jobs was the directive to avoid constantly asking, in every situation, what Jobs himself would have done. At a commemorative event, Cook recalled Jobs telling him: “Just do what’s right.” That advice remained a constant throughout Cook’s tenure as CEO.

Srouji’s Transition and Cook’s Final Counsel

As Cook prepares to depart the CEO role, Apple enters a new chapter. Johny Srouji, currently Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, is scheduled to become CEO on 1 September 2026. Ahead of the leadership transition, Cook shared guidance with Srouji during the company’s second-quarter earnings call. Cook told him, “What I said to him is that one of the most important decisions he’ll make is where he spends his time—and I’ll spend mine where it delivers the greatest benefit to the company and to users.” Cook also reminded Srouji not to lose sight of Apple’s core mission. “Never forget the company’s North Star: we’re building the best products in the world—products that truly enrich people’s lives.” These words reflect Cook’s vision for Apple’s continued focus—not solely on financial indicators—but on delivering products he believes meaningfully enhance users’ lives.

Cook’s New Role at Apple

Although Cook will vacate the CEO position on 1 September, he will not fully depart Apple. He will assume the role of Executive Chairman of the Board, or Executive Chairman. He is expected to remain involved in certain areas of the company and continue performing select duties—including serving as a dedicated liaison with government entities. Cook may also appear at select press events, but he will no longer lead keynote addresses or major product presentations for Apple.