On his last day as CEO of Apple, Tim Cook offered an enthusiastic endorsement of his predecessor: John TernusSenior Vice President of Hardware Engineering Company. In a memo to employees, Cook reminded employees that he is “not leaving Apple,” just stepping away from the role of CEO, while declaring that “few people understand what it takes to create a product that changes the world the way John does.”
Ternus’ elevation to the top job suggests that Apple’s next era will see a renewed focus on hardware and product performance. Under Ternus, Apple has delivered several notable products, most recently, the ultra-thin new iPhone Air, the affordable MacBook Neo, and the hearing-enabled AirPods. He also led the hardware engineering team across Apple’s full device line.
Hardware will play a key role in the AI era, not just in terms of chips, but also the devices people use to run enterprise AI. For example, Apple this year introduced the previous version of the new Mac, Mac mini and Mac Studio, compared to last year, due to the need for AI.
Cook’s notes, reported by Bloomberg And others, naturally say little about Apple’s future when it comes to AI, services, regulation, China, or other upcoming challenges. Instead, Cook focused on his gratitude for the opportunity to lead Apple and praised the company’s culture as the most important thing.
“We share the belief that what we create is important and that we have the opportunity and responsibility to leave this world better than we found it,” Cook wrote. He also quoted Steve Jobs’ famous words about leaving “a crack in the universe”, saying that Apple made it possible because of “who we are and what we believe,” as well as “what we value and how we see the world.”
Cook will remain at Apple as executive chairman and will continue to manage political relationships, including those with President Trump and the Chinese government.
On X, Cook also wrote: “Sending lots of love to the Apple community on my last day as CEO. My title will change tomorrow, but my love for the Apple community never will. Thank you for being a constant source of inspiration. My gratitude is endless, and I’m excited for the next chapter!”
The full memo is below (via Bloomberg):
team,
Today is my last day as CEO of Apple. This is a moment I always knew would come one day, and it’s still hard to believe it’s here and I’m writing these words. I love this company and the team behind it, and I can’t let this day pass without sending you a note to tell you how grateful I am for the love you send me, for the way you show up each day, and most of all for the lifetime privilege of your service.
The truth is, whatever is said about my success, I know it is because of you. You brought me the best. In my entire life, I have never seen or been with such a special team of people before, and every day I see more examples of that.
There is something truly special about Apple. I am most proud of what the annual report fails to capture. This place is proof that culture wins everything. We share the belief that what we create is important and that we have the opportunity and responsibility to leave the world better than we found it. That purpose is part of what makes this place special. Apple helps nurture it, but I believe it lives inside each of you long before you get here. It’s what brought you to this company and what continues to drive the work you do every day.
Together, we have created something greater than any of us could have imagined or accomplished alone. And that is the secret of our success. We bring out the best in each other. We lift each other up. We have made it possible to leave a “crack in the universe,” as Steve once described it, because of who we are and what we believe, because of our values and the way we see the world. How lucky we are. How lucky I am.
As you know, I have not left Apple. But I’m walking away from a role that I love deeply. I will miss this job in ways I can only begin to imagine, although I remain at peace with my decision. I will miss guiding you and being with you for every step, even while I have great comfort in handing the hat to someone as smart and wonderful and talented as John. Few people understand what it takes to create a product that changes the world the way John does and I couldn’t be more excited for his leadership.
I hope you know how much I appreciate you and what an honor it is to be your CEO. Most of all, I hope you will continue to be proud to be a part of the remarkable place we call Apple and always give it your best. When we put our hearts into this work, with care for each other and for the people we serve, there is no limit to the profound difference we can make.
I look forward to seeing you in my new role at Apple Park and around the world.
With all that I have and all that I am, I always am.
you,
Tim
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