John Ternus has officially taken over as Apple’s CEO from Tim Cook, assuming the role on September 1. On his first day at the helm, Ternus sent a message to Apple employees at the company’s Cupertino headquarters, highlighting the upcoming September 9 launch event, where the iPhone 18 Pro series is expected to be unveiled.
In a memo obtained by Bloomberg, Ternus expressed his excitement and gratitude upon taking on the new position. He described Apple as the greatest company in the world and said he was honoured to lead it. He also highlighted the major product launch scheduled for September 9, thanking employees for their efforts in making the event possible.
Although Ternus did not reveal details about the products planned for the event, Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro lineup along with its first-ever foldable iPhone. The event, which carries the tagline “Surprise and Shine”, will also be the first major Apple launch under Ternus’ leadership.
Ternus also made his first post on X on his debut day as CEO, joining other Apple executives such as Tim Cook and Greg Joswiak who are active on the platform. His first post was a simple “hello”.
John Ternus thanks Tim Cook for his Apple legacy
As he assumed leadership, Ternus also praised Cook for his 15 years at the helm of Apple. In his memo, he expressed his deep appreciation for Cook and thanked him for sharing his knowledge and experience during the leadership transition.
Ternus said Apple had been fortunate to have a CEO who led with strong values, decency and humanity. He added that everyone at the company had benefited from Cook’s leadership and expressed his gratitude that Cook would continue to serve as executive chairman.
Cook’s tenure saw Apple expand its global business significantly, with major product categories such as the iPhone and iPad continuing to grow, while services including Apple Music and Apple TV also became important parts of the company’s business.
In his farewell message as CEO, Cook had similarly praised Ternus, saying he felt extremely confident about handing Apple’s leadership to someone as capable, talented and remarkable as his successor.
Ternus concluded his first-day memo by looking ahead to Apple’s future. He said he was excited not only about the products already under development but also about future ideas that the company had yet to imagine and create together. He added that there was no other team with whom he would rather build the future.
John Ternus’ journey at Apple
Ternus is a longtime Apple executive who joined the company in 2001. Before becoming CEO, he served as Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering.
As the company’s new chief executive, Ternus will receive a compensation package worth approximately $58 million, or around Rs 551 crore.
John Ternus’ full memo to Apple employees:
“Team,
Today, on my first day as CEO, I wanted to send a quick note thanking everyone for the warm wishes. I also want to express my deep appreciation to Tim for sharing so much of his knowledge and experience throughout this transition, and especially for everything he has contributed to Apple over the years. We have been incredibly fortunate to have a CEO who led with strong values, decency and humanity. We are all better because of it, and I’m grateful that he will continue with us as executive chairman.
I’m honoured to step into this role at what is truly the greatest company in the world, and I’m incredibly excited about what we have ahead. We have a major launch coming next week that is going to be phenomenal. Thank you for everything you have done to make it possible.
I’m equally excited about what comes after that, including the amazing products already being developed and the ideas we have yet to imagine, dream up and build together. There is no team in the world I would rather work with to create the future.
More to come. In the meantime, thank you for your excellent work!”
