Key Points
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Apple’s first CEO change in 15 years took effect Sept. 1, 2026, and the stock climbed 2.5% by midday while the broader market sold off.
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Tim Cook isn’t leaving. He becomes executive chairman and keeps working with policymakers globally, per Apple’s April 20, 2026 announcement.
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Apple’s annual revenue topped $416 billion in fiscal 2025, roughly four times its level when Cook took the CEO job in 2011.
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Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) stock is rising today, up 2.5% as of 1:41 p.m. ET, on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, as John Ternus officially takes over for Tim Cook as CEO of the tech giant.
The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite are both down, sliding 0.7% and 0.9%, respectively.
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Ternus is Apple’s first new CEO since Tim Cook took over in 2011
Today marks the first time in 15 years that a new CEO takes the reins. Not since Tim Cook stepped into the role, replacing Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, has the iPhone-maker transitioned its chief executive.
Investors should know that while Ternus now serves as CEO, Cook is not leaving the company. Instead, he will serve as Executive Chairman and continue helping with “certain aspects of the company, including engaging with policymakers around the world.” https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/apple-ceo-john-ternus-tim-cook-rcna341096
Apple’s revenue topped $416 billion in fiscal 2025 under Cook
What exactly that rather vague definition really means remains to be seen, but his continued presence seems to have helped reassure many investors worried about what happens next.
Apple Inc
Cook leaves an incredible financial record at Apple. By FY 2025, Apple was generating more than $416 billion in annual revenue — about four times its sales when Cook began his tenure.
These are big shoes to fill, but I have faith in Apple’s future. I think the company is well placed to take advantage of AI without bearing most of the enormous costs.
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Johnny Rice has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
