Tim Cook is formally leaving the role of Apple chief executive 15 years after taking the position. According to a report from The Information, Cook completed 15 years as Apple's CEO on 24 August. At an event held to mark his long tenure, speakers included Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of Apple co-founder and former CEO Steve Jobs, former chief operating officer Jeff Williams, services chief Eddy Cue, and hardware engineering head John Ternus.

Cook is not leaving Apple altogether. From 1 September he will take on the responsibility of executive chairman of the company. In this new capacity he will continue to support Apple on a range of important matters, particularly maintaining ties with policymakers across different countries around the world.

John Ternus will take over as CEO on the same day Cook hands over the position. Ternus joined Apple in 2001 and has served as senior vice president of the company's hardware division since 2021. Immediately after assuming the role, major changes to Apple's strategy or day-to-day operations are not considered likely; Ternus may choose to preserve the current direction of the company in the near term.

Ternus could face a significant test soon after taking charge. Apple's iPhone launch event in September is expected to be the first major product unveiling under his leadership. At what is one of the most important shows of the year for Apple, he will be expected to take the stage and present the new iPhone along with other products and technologies.