On his final day as Apple CEO, Tim Cook penned a heartfelt memo endorsing John Ternus, the company’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, as his successor. Cook emphasized that despite stepping down as CEO, he is not leaving Apple, and expressed confidence in Ternus’ deep expertise across Apple’s major hardware lines including the iPhone, Mac, and AirPods. This leadership shift signals a forthcoming chapter for Apple focusing strongly on hardware innovation, especially as devices remain central to advancements in artificial intelligence.

Under Ternus’ oversight, Apple recently launched several notable products like the ultra-thin iPhone Air, the affordable MacBook Neo, and AirPods equipped with health features. The company has also accelerated releases of AI-demand-driven Macs such as the Mac mini and Mac Studio this year. Cook’s departure memo highlights Apple’s distinct culture and shared belief in building meaningful, world-changing products—a theme he connected to Steve Jobs’ vision of leaving a “dent in the universe.”

Meanwhile, as Cook steps into the role of executive chairman, he will continue managing critical political relationships, including with the Trump administration and the Chinese government. The transition comes amid a broader executive shuffle: longtime Apple App Store head Phil Schiller announced stepping down from his position, signaling an ongoing leadership renewal within the company. Schiller will remain as an Apple Fellow, focusing on special projects while day-to-day App Store management moves to Carson Oliver under the services division led by Eddy Cue.

The Apple executive changes arrive at a time of legal challenges and market pressure. Notably, Apple filed a lawsuit alleging trade secret theft by former employees now at OpenAI, as well as gearing up for AI-related device development. The company’s emphasis on hardware excellence with Ternus at the helm aligns with this evolving landscape, as Apple braces to maintain its legacy of innovative product design while navigating new technological and geopolitical complexities.