Tim Cook, who has been at the helm of Apple since 2011, will step down as CEO on September 1, transitioning to the role of executive chairman of the board. His successor, John Ternus, currently the hardware chief, is praised by Cook as a visionary leader. During Cook's tenure, Apple transformed into the world's most valuable company, significantly expanding its services portfolio, which includes Apple Music, iCloud, and Apple TV+, while also driving growth in core products like the iPhone and iPad. Cook joined Apple in 1998 and was instrumental in building a highly efficient global supply chain. He also championed privacy initiatives, positioning Apple as a leader in user data protection. As Ternus takes over, Apple is expected to maintain its focus on hardware innovation and navigate a competitive tech landscape.