Today marks Tim Cook's last day as Apple's chief executive officer. John Ternus takes over tomorrow, that is, on September 1, 2026, closing out a 15-year run that began when Cook succeeded Steve Jobs in August 2011. Ahead of the handover, Cook has written to Apple employees, showing his gratitude and support for Ternus.
9to5Mac has managed to obtain an internal memo that Tim Cook sent out to Apple employees. The memo itself is short and notably light on self-congratulation. Cook opens by saying he always knew this day would come but still finds it hard to believe it has arrived. He thanks staff for the affection they have shown him and says whatever success he had was down to them, since the Apple team brought out the best in him.
The line that stands out is about what he is proudest of. Cook writes that it is the thing an annual report could never capture, and that Apple is proof that "culture triumphs over everything." He also recalls Steve Jobs, referencing his old line about leaving a dent in the universe, and says Apple managed it because of what the team believes and values rather than any one individual.
On his successor, John Ternus, Tim Cook says he takes comfort in handing over to someone as capable as Ternus, adding that few people understand what it takes to build world-changing products the way Ternus does.
He closed his memo by reminding every Apple employee that he is not actually leaving, just stepping away from a role he loved and said he looks forward to seeing them at Apple Park in his new position as the executive chairman of Apple’s Board of Directors.
Tim Cook Bids Goodbye To The Apple Community Too
Beyond the internal Apple memo, Tim Cook also posted on X, sending his affection to the Apple community and fans on his last day as CEO. He noted that while his title changes tomorrow, how he feels about the community will not.
He also thanked people for being a source of inspiration and said he is looking forward to the next chapter. chapter.
Aside from that, Apple held a farewell party for Cook on August 23, 2026, a day before the official 15th anniversary of his appointment as CEO in 2011. Around 200 people gathered at the Caffé Macs cafeteria on Apple's campus, with OneRepublic performing to celebrate the occasion.
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