Tim Cook tells employees why he chose to step down now, what’s next for him

Apple’s Tim Cook and John Ternus held an all-hands meeting with employees today in Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park, according to Bloomberg. The meeting comes one day after the announcement that Ternus will take over as Apple CEO later this year.

During the meeting, Cook offered more insight into why he decided to begin the transition now — and what his plans are for his role as Apple’s executive chairman.

First, Cook, 65, shot down rumors that he’s facing health problems. Bloomberg had previously reported that some Apple employees had noticed Cook had an “unexplained tremor that causes his hands to shake from time to time.”

“I’m excited to continue my journey at Apple as executive chairman,” Cook said during today’s meeting. “I am healthy. My energy is high, and I plan to be in this new role [executive chairman] for a long time.”

When asked why he decided to step down now, Cook said he wanted to allow for the “best-ever transition” to occur, which meant three things needed to be true:

1. Apple’s product roadmap needed to “be incredible.”
2. Apple’s financials needed to be “doing great.”
3. Ternus had to be “ready for the role.”

Cook said he will be available to support Ternus whenever needed, including helping with policy relations around the world. “I’ll probably help on some other things,” he added.

“I’ll be here to support John in any way he needs and in any way I can,” Cook said during the meeting. “I’ll be here to offer my knowledge and experience and be a sounding board anytime I’m called upon. Apple will be my top priority. It’s who I am at my core, and I can’t imagine it any other way.”

Ternus, meanwhile said, he is “especially excited to be stepping into this role at this moment, because I am telling you we are about to change the world once again.” He also said Apple will continue focusing on design, which is “core” to the company.

As announced yesterday, John Ternus will officially become CEO on September 1, 2026.

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