Sundar Pichai praises Tim Cook’s ‘Deep commitment’ as Apple enters new era

The era of Tim Cook as the Chief Executive Officer of Apple is officially concluding as he announces his departure from the role. This significant transition has sparked widespread discussions among tech enthusiasts and industry leaders alike. Notable figures, including Sam Altman, Warren Buffett, Qualcomm's CEO Cristiano Amon, and even US President Donald Trump, have expressed their admiration for Cook’s visionary leadership and the profound impact he has had on Apple's trajectory. Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, took to social media to acknowledge Cook’s remarkable tenure, stating, "Congrats on an incredible run @tim_cook, always respected your deep commitment to Apple's mission and best wishes in your new role!" Pichai also congratulated John Ternus, who will succeed Cook, expressing eagerness to collaborate with him. Sam Altman referred to Cook as a "legend," expressing gratitude for his contributions to Apple and the tech industry as a whole. Warren Buffett emphasized the monumental changes Cook has brought to Apple, telling CNBC, "Apple would not be the Apple of today without Tim Cook. What he has done with Apple could not be done by anybody I’ve known." As Cook embarks on this new chapter, he reassured employees during an internal meeting that he remains in good health and is excited to take on the role of executive chairman. "I’m excited to continue my journey at Apple as executive chairman. I am healthy. My energy is high, and I plan to be in this new role for a long time," he stated, indicating his continued commitment to the company even as he transitions from the CEO position. With Ternus taking the reins from September 1, 2026, the tech community watches closely to see how Apple's strategy evolves under new leadership, and how Cook's legacy will shape the company’s future.