Apple is about to undergo one of its biggest leadership shakeups since the death of Steve Jobs. Tim Cook has confirmed that he will step down as CEO in September 2026, and the handover marks more than just changes at the top. It underscores how over the past 15 years Apple has steadily shed the executive team that built its most defining products, including the iPhone and iMac.
Cook’s tenure achieved scale. Apple’s valuation has risen to nearly $4 trillion from about $350 billion in 2011, largely due to the iPhone’s global success and a tightly managed supply chain. But with this growth, the company’s original leadership circle, often referred to as the “Jobs-era team,” became almost completely dispersed.
The most obvious signal of change comes from Apple’s design studio. Jony Ive, who worked closely with Jobs to develop products that shaped Apple’s image, left in 2019 to found LoveFrom. Over the years, Ive’s methods have influenced everything from hardware to software design.
This shift deepened in 2025 when Alan Dye left for Meta. Dye led interface design for iOS and Apple Watch, making him one of the last key figures in Apple’s design leadership. His move also highlights how rivals are targeting experienced Apple talent as they develop products in areas such as mixed reality.
Also read: From AirPods to ‘Pro’ iPhone: The Tim Cook era at Apple is coming to an end
While design defines Apple’s products, operations drive its expansion. Jeff Williams retired in 2025 after nearly 30 years with the company. He is widely seen as the central figure in managing Apple’s global operations and product execution.
That same year, Luca Maestri resigned after overseeing Apple’s finances during a period of record earnings and massive stock buybacks. The exits remove two of the most experienced people guiding Apple’s day-to-day operations.
Some continuity remains. Phil Schiller, a longtime spokesman for Apple’s product launches, stepped down from core executive roles in 2020 but continues to manage the App Store and company events. His role today reflects a gradual transition rather than a clean break.
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Apple’s recent leadership exits illustrate a different set of challenges. As the industry shifts toward artificial intelligence, the company faces questions about its pace.
Apple’s artificial intelligence strategy has come under scrutiny before John Giannandrea, who oversees machine learning, leaves in 2025. In 2026, Lisa Jackson announced her retirement, while Kate Adams will also step down later this year. The changes come as Apple grapples with regulatory requirements and competition in new technologies.
Early exits also shaped Apple’s leadership culture. Scott Forstall left in 2012 due to internal disagreements, while Angela Ahrendts exited in 2019 after leading changes to Apple’s retail strategy.
Cook becomes executive chairman, ending a period defined by operational discipline and global expansion. Under his leadership, Apple solidified its position around the iPhone, built its services business and expanded into new product categories.
The next phase will be led by longtime hardware executive John Ternus. His appointment marks a shift toward a product-focused leadership style at Apple, which comes at a time when the company is expected to compete more directly in areas such as artificial intelligence-powered devices.
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