Tim Cook steps down as Apple CEO and John Ternus takes over

In short: Apple has a new CEO, John Ternus, after Tim Cook stepped down, and Ternus says a major launch is coming next week.

What happened

Tim Cook has stepped down as Apple’s CEO, according to TechCrunch’s Equity podcast. Apple’s new CEO is John Ternus, who previously led Apple’s hardware work, meaning the physical products like iPhones and Macs.

Ternus’ first memo to staff promised a “huge launch next week.” That timing matters because it likely lines up with Apple’s next iPhone event, putting a high-profile product moment on Ternus’ schedule almost immediately.

Cook is not leaving Apple entirely. He is staying on as executive chairman, a senior role that often focuses on big-picture relationships and oversight, including work with governments and regulators.

The same podcast episode also points to bigger shifts around Apple. Nvidia, best known for selling chips (the main parts inside many computers), is making moves to cover more of the “AI stack,” meaning more of the parts needed to build and run AI, like tools, services, and partnerships (think of it like trying to sell the whole kitchen, not just the stove).

Why it matters

For everyday customers, Apple’s leadership change could shape what the company builds next, and how quickly it improves its software in an AI-heavy market. Investors and competitors will also watch how much freedom Ternus has to make changes, especially with big product launches arriving early in his tenure.

Source: TechCrunch AI