ByTim Bajarin,
Contributor.
I’ve covered Apple since before the Macintosh. I watched Steve Jobs unveil the first Mac. Through Apple's near-death in the '90s and its rise to become the world's most valuable company, I've seen it all. That's why I believe Tim Cook's move to Executive Chairman — effective September 1, 2026 — will be a pivotal shift. Cook’s new role as Apple's “Diplomat-in-Chief” could shape the company’s future every bit as much as his tenure as CEO.
Cook hands the CEO role to John Ternus, a hardware genius whose passion for craftsmanship makes him a natural heir to Apple's legacy. But what’s truly remarkable is Cook’s transition; I believe we’re witnessing a historic shift, with Cook stepping into a role that may redefine Apple’s global influence.
Apple described Cook’s new role simply: assisting with parts of the company, including working with global policymakers. That sounds modest. It isn't.
