Google CEO Sundar Pichai praises Tim Cook after Apple exit announcement, says he looks forward to working with new CEO John Ternus

Google CEO Sundar Pichai has publicly congratulated Tim Cook after Apple announced that Cook will step down as chief executive on September 1, 2026. The leadership transition marks the end of one of the most influential eras in modern technology, with Apple confirming that senior executive John Ternus will take over as the company’s next CEO.

The message from Pichai drew attention across the technology industry, highlighting the professional respect shared between two leaders who have overseen some of the world’s biggest consumer technology companies during a period of rapid change.

Soon after Cook confirmed his departure, Pichai shared a public response praising the Apple chief for his years of service and commitment to the company’s mission.

Pichai wrote that Cook had an “incredible run” and said he had always respected Cook’s deep dedication to Apple’s long standing focus on its users and products. He also wished Cook success in his next role.

The message was notable because Apple and Google remain major competitors in smartphones, software, cloud services and artificial intelligence. Even so, the exchange reflected the tradition of mutual respect often seen among senior leaders in the global technology industry.

Cook’s own farewell message thanked users, employees and supporters who had backed him during his time leading Apple. He said the moment was not a goodbye, but instead a hello to John Ternus, adding that he was excited for people to know the next leader as he does.

Apple confirmed in an official announcement that John Ternus, currently senior vice president of hardware engineering, will become the company’s new CEO.

At 51, Ternus is viewed as a long serving Apple executive with deep product experience. According to Apple, he has spent 25 years at the company and joined the product design team in 2001. He later became vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2013 before joining Apple’s executive team in 2021.

His appointment signals continuity inside Apple, with the company choosing a leader who has already played a central role in designing and delivering many of its most important devices.

Ternus has overseen hardware engineering efforts across a wide range of Apple products and has been closely linked to several major launches. Apple said he was instrumental in bringing new product categories such as the iPad and AirPods to market, while also helping lead multiple generations of the iPhone, Mac and Apple Watch.

Cook succeeded Steve Jobs as Apple CEO in 2011, a moment many considered one of the toughest leadership transitions in business history. Over the next 15 years, Cook guided Apple through massive expansion in revenue, services, global retail presence and device adoption.

Apple said that under Cook’s leadership, the company’s market capitalization rose from about $350 billion to $4 trillion. Annual revenue increased from $108 billion in fiscal year 2011 to more than $416 billion in fiscal year 2025.

The company also expanded its physical presence worldwide, operating more than 500 retail stores and increasing the number of countries where customers can visit an Apple Store.

Apple added that its workforce grew by more than 100,000 team members during Cook’s tenure. At the same time, the company’s active installed base surpassed 2.5 billion devices, demonstrating the scale of Apple’s global ecosystem.

Any leadership change at Apple carries global significance because of the company’s influence across hardware, software, digital payments, entertainment and supply chains.

With Ternus taking charge, investors and customers will closely watch how Apple approaches future priorities such as artificial intelligence, mixed reality, silicon chips, health technology and its next generation of premium devices.

The response from Pichai also matters because Apple and Google remain deeply connected despite competition. Google services power many apps used on Apple devices, while Apple hardware remains a critical platform for Google products including Search, Maps, YouTube and cloud based services.

That balance of rivalry and partnership has shaped the smartphone era for more than a decade.

Unlike many dramatic CEO exits seen in corporate history, Apple’s transition appears measured and carefully planned. Cook publicly endorsed Ternus, while peers across the industry immediately offered support.

Pichai’s message captured that tone by honoring Cook’s record while welcoming Apple’s next chapter.

As September approaches, the technology world will watch one of its most important baton passes. Tim Cook leaves after transforming Apple into a $4 trillion powerhouse, and John Ternus now steps into one of the most watched jobs in global business.