Apple CEO Tim Cook has shared some of his strongest comments yet about the company’s upcoming leadership transition, calling incoming CEO John Ternus “the perfect person” to lead Apple when he officially takes over on September 1.
Speaking alongside Ternus during the Ted Lasso season 4 premiere in Los Angeles, Cook reflected on his 15 years as Apple’s CEO, praised the transition process, and expressed confidence in the company’s future under new leadership. The interview also offered one of the clearest looks yet at how both executives view Apple’s next chapter.
Cook described the transition as going exceptionally well, saying it has been a positive experience for employees, investors, and the company as a whole.
“I feel so much gratitude to have been the CEO of Apple for 15 years and to work with all of the people that I get to work with. It’s a privilege of a lifetime.”
When asked how the handover has progressed, Cook didn’t hesitate.
“It’s over the top great. John is the perfect person for this role, and the whole thing has just been great. The employee piece, the investor piece, everything.”
Cook added that both he and Ternus have been focused on making the transition as smooth as possible because “Apple deserves the best.”
The leadership change marks one of the biggest moments in Apple’s recent history. Cook has served as CEO since 2011, overseeing the launches of products including Apple Watch, AirPods, Apple Silicon Macs, Apple Vision Pro, and Apple TV+, while leading Apple through a period of unprecedented growth.
Ternus, who has spent 25 years at Apple and currently serves as Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, described becoming Apple’s next CEO as “an incredible opportunity.”
“It’s amazing. What an incredible opportunity. It’s so exciting for me. I’ve been at Apple for 25 years, I love Apple, and to have this opportunity is beyond words.”
When asked what the first thing he plans to do as CEO will be after taking over on September 1, Ternus kept his answer short.
“You have to wait and see.”
Although the interview centered on Apple’s leadership transition, both executives also spoke briefly about Apple TV+ while attending the Ted Lasso season 4 premiere.
Ternus praised the momentum behind Apple’s streaming service and credited the team led by Eddy Cue for building a strong lineup of original programming. Rather than hinting at any major changes, he said the focus is on continuing to work with talented creators and building on that success.
Cook also reflected on Apple TV+’s recent achievements, including the service’s record Emmy nominations, and said he’s currently watching shows like Widow’s Bay, Pluribus, and Silo. Asked whether he’d watch Ted Lasso season 4 on Apple Vision Pro, as he previously did with season 3, Cook replied with a smile that he would, adding there’s “nothing quite like” watching while lying down.
While neither executive revealed any major strategic plans, the interview sent a clear message about Apple’s direction. Both Cook and Ternus emphasized continuity over change, suggesting that when the leadership transition becomes official on September 1, Apple intends to build on its existing momentum rather than dramatically change course.
