Tim Cook's Final Words Before Stepping Down as Apple CEO

Tim Cook concluded his 15-year tenure as CEO of Apple on 1 September 2026. As a farewell gesture, he wrote a letter to the company’s employees.

In the letter, Tim Cook praised Apple employees as the true architects of his success, noting that they had brought out the best in the 65-year-old executive. “To be honest, whatever is said regarding my success, I know it is all because of you. You brought out the best in me. In all my life, I have never seen or been part of such an extraordinary team, and every day I see more examples of this,” Cook stated in his letter, as reported by TechCrunch.

He remarked that the culture established at Apple serves as proof that anything is achievable. He also expressed his belief that opportunity and responsibility can make the world a better place.

Tim Cook clarified that he is not leaving Apple entirely; he is merely stepping down from the CEO position to serve as executive chairman. “As you know, I am not leaving Apple, but I am stepping away from a role that I love dearly. I will miss this job more than I can imagine,” he said.

In his new role as executive chairman, he will focus on managing political relations.

In the letter, Cook also mentioned John Ternus, who will succeed him as CEO. He described Ternus as one of the few individuals who understands how to build products capable of changing the world.

“I will miss leading and being with you at every step, though I am very comfortable handing over control to someone as brilliant, extraordinary, and capable as John,” he wrote. “Very few people understand what is needed to build products that change the world like John does, and I am excited about his leadership,” he added.