Tim Cook invokes Steve Jobs in his last message to Apple employees—just like he did when he became CEO
Today marks a historic turning point for Apple. After 15 years at the helm, Tim Cook is no longer the company’s CEO. Instead, John Ternus is stepping into the role —only the third person to do so this century. The first, of course, was Steve Jobs, whose impact on the company and industry has not lessened in the years since his passing. One his last day as CEO, Cook sent a final message yesterday…
On August 31, 2026, Tim Cook bid farewell to Apple employees as he stepped down from his role as CEO after 15 years at the helm. This marked a historic turning point as John Ternus became the new CEO, only the third person to assume the role in the past century. The message Cook delivered to his employees was strikingly reminiscent of the one he had sent just three years earlier, upon being appointed CEO in 2011.
Cook's final message to employees mirrored his first, addressing the enduring impact of Steve Jobs' legacy at Apple. Both messages emphasized Apple's unwavering commitment to a culture of creativity and innovation, the core values that have fueled the company's success since Jobs' return in the late 1990s. Cook highlighted that while the person leading the company might change, their dedication to making the best products and delighting customers remains constant.
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