On his last day as CEO, Tim Cook pens an emotional memo reflecting on his time at Apple and says he takes "enormous comfort" in handing the helm to John Ternus (Chance Miller/9to5Mac)

In his final hours as CEO of Apple, Tim Cook penned a heartfelt memo to all employees, expressing his gratitude and praise for the company's staff. Cook's memo, written on his last day as CEO on August 24, 2026, highlighted the importance of the team and the company's culture in their success. He emphasized that his achievements were a direct result of the extraordinary team he worked with, and that Apple's culture, driven by a shared belief in the importance of their work, was a key factor in their accomplishments.

Cook expressed his pride in the company's mission and the privilege of leading such an exceptional team. He especially commended John Ternus, his successor, for his brilliance and capability, and expressed his excitement for his leadership. Cook reassured his colleagues that he would remain at Apple, but in a new role, and wished them all to continue giving their best in this remarkable company.