Top Leaders React to Apple Announcing Tim Cook Will Step Down as CEO
Apple on Monday announced that Tim Cook will be stepping down as CEO , and some top leaders around the world have publicly commented on the news. Effective September 1, Apple's hardware engineering chief John Ternus will become the company's next CEO, while Cook will become executive chairman of Apple's board of directors. In his new role, Apple said Cook will assist with "certain aspects" of the company, including "engaging with policymakers around the world." OpenAI CEO Sam Altman : Tim Cook is a legend. I am very thankful for everything he has done and I am very thankful for Apple. U.S. President Donald Trump : I have always been a big fan of Tim Cook, and likewise, Steve Jobs, but if Steve was not taken from the Planet Earth so young, and ran the company instead of Tim, the company would have done well, but nowhere near as well as it has under Tim. More from Trump: I was very impressed with myself to have the head of Apple calling to "kiss my ass." Alabama Governor Kay Ivey : Here in Alabama, we will always be proud of Tim Cook! He is an Alabamian through and through — born in Mobile and a graduate of Auburn University. I wish Tim Cook continued success and am grateful for all he has done and will continue to do for our state. Berkshire Hathaway chairman Warren Buffett : Apple would not be the Apple of today without Tim Cook. More from Buffett: Covering the world and getting along with countries with all kinds of histories and doing right by the customer, people who worked for him, certainly the shareholders, which we were lucky enough to be one of… he's one of a kind. Oculus VR founder Palmer Luckey : RIP Tim Apple We will update this story with any additional quotes throughout the day. Tag: Tim Cook This article, " Top Leaders React to Apple Announcing Tim Cook Will Step Down as CEO " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
What happened?
Apple on Monday announced that Tim Cook will be stepping down as CEO , and some top leaders around the world have publicly commented on the news. Effective September 1, Apple's hardware engineering chief John Ternus will become the company's next CEO, while Cook will become executive chairman of Apple's board of directors. In his new role, Apple said Cook will assist with "certain aspects" of the company, including "engaging with policymakers around the world." OpenAI CEO Sam Altman : Tim Cook is a legend. I am very thankful for everything he has done and I am very thankful for Apple. U.S. President Donald Trump : I have always been a big fan of Tim Cook, and likewise, Steve Jobs, but if Steve was not taken from the Planet Earth so young, and ran the company instead of Tim, the company would have done well, but nowhere near as well as it has under Tim. More from Trump: I was very impressed with myself to have the head of Apple calling to "kiss my ass." Alabama Governor Kay Ivey : Here in Alabama, we will always be proud of Tim Cook! He is an Alabamian through and through — born in Mobile and a graduate of Auburn University. I wish Tim Cook continued success and am grateful for all he has done and will continue to do for our state. Berkshire Hathaway chairman Warren Buffett : Apple would not be the Apple of today without Tim Cook. More from Buffett: Covering the world and getting along with countries with all kinds of histories and doing right by the customer, people who worked for him, certainly the shareholders, which we were lucky enough to be one of… he's one of a kind. Oculus VR founder Palmer Luckey : RIP Tim Apple We will update this story with any additional quotes throughout the day. Tag: Tim Cook This article, " Top Leaders React to Apple Announcing Tim Cook Will Step Down as CEO " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
Story details
Apple on Monday announced that Tim Cook will be stepping down as CEO , and some top leaders around the world have publicly commented on the news.
Effective September 1, Apple's hardware engineering chief John Ternus will become the company's next CEO, while Cook will become executive chairman of Apple's board of directors.
In his new role, Apple said Cook will assist with "certain aspects" of the company, including "engaging with policymakers around the world." OpenAI CEO Sam Altman : Tim Cook is a legend.
Why it matters
This page keeps Apple rumors separate from official updates, so readers can follow early reports without confusing them with confirmed announcements.
Original source
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/21/tim-cook-stepping-down-as-ceo-reaction/