“I Will Miss This Work”: Tim Cook Sends Moving Last Message as Apple CEO

After 15 historic years leading the world’s most valuable tech company, Tim Cook has officially reached his final day as the CEO of Apple. In a heartfelt memo sent to Apple staff on Monday morning, Cook expressed deep gratitude to the employees who helped build its modern empire (via Bloomberg).

While the move represents a monumental shift for Silicon Valley, Cook made it clear to his team that he is not leaving Cupertino entirely. Effective September 1, 2026, he will transition into the role of Executive Chairman of Apple’s board of directors, passing daily operational control to incoming CEO John Ternus.

Cook admitted in his internal memo that giving up the top job brings mixed emotions after a decade and a half at the helm.

“As you know, I am not leaving Apple. But I am stepping away from a role that I have loved deeply,” Cook wrote in his email to staff. “I will miss this work in ways I can only begin to imagine, even as I remain completely at peace with my decision.”

He went on to thank Apple’s workforce across the globe, telling employees that whatever success the company achieved under his leadership belongs directly to them, calling them the most extraordinary group of people he has ever worked alongside.

Cook also offered strong public backing for John Ternus, Apple’s long-time head of hardware engineering who takes over as chief executive tomorrow. Ternus, 50, joined Apple back in 2001 and played a central role in guiding key hardware lines like the Mac, iPad, and AirPods.

In his farewell note, Cook expressed total faith in his successor’s ability to take Apple into its next chapter.

Cook’s new position as Executive Chairman will not just be symbolic. According to internal sources, Cook will continue working directly with global regulators, business leaders, and government officials, including maintaining vital working ties with Washington and foreign leaders in critical manufacturing hubs like China.