Tim Cook is stepping down as CEO of Apple. Here’s a look at his 15-year legacy, from new products and services to China expansion.

Tim Cook is stepping down as the CEO of Apple after a remarkable 15-year tenure that reshaped the company into a technological powerhouse. He will pass the leadership to John Ternus, the senior vice president of hardware engineering, effective September 1. Under Cook's guidance, Apple skyrocketed from a valuation of nearly $350 billion in 2011 to a staggering $4 trillion by 2025, marking a tenfold increase in market capitalization. During Cook's leadership, Apple achieved unprecedented financial success. The company reported a net income of $112 billion for the fiscal year ending September 2025, a remarkable increase of 699% compared to the $14 billion seen in September 2010. This growth occurred despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and escalating geopolitical tensions. Cook's influence extended beyond financial metrics; he was pivotal in expanding Apple's global footprint, particularly in China, where he added around 200 stores to the company’s network. He also broadened Apple's ecosystem by introducing complementary devices like the Apple Watch, which debuted in 2015 and evolved into a versatile health and fitness tracker. In 2016, Apple transformed the audio landscape with the launch of AirPods, followed by its first over-ear headphones in 2020. The introduction of the Apple Vision Pro in 2024 aimed to position Apple as a leader in spatial computing, though it did not gain the anticipated consumer interest. Under Cook's watch, the iPad line diversified, becoming a viable option for personal, educational, and professional use. Key enhancements to the iPhone, such as the iPhone SE and innovations like Face ID, also marked Cook's era. While he steered away from the traditional “i” branding, his leadership saw significant product expansion. Cook was instrumental in building Apple's services division, which includes the launch of Apple Pay in 2014, now utilized by approximately 818 million users worldwide. Apple TV+, Apple Music, and Apple Arcade emerged during his tenure, with Apple TV+ winning numerous accolades, including an Academy Award. The App Store evolved significantly under Cook, generating over $109 billion in revenue during the fiscal year ending in September 2025. This segment contributed substantially to Apple's overall revenue of $416 billion. In a strategic shift, Apple transitioned from Intel processors to its proprietary Apple Silicon chips starting in 2020, culminating in a complete transition by 2023, leading to enhanced performance and efficiency. The company also entered the AI landscape with the launch of Apple Intelligence in 2024, though major advancements have been slow to materialize. In collaboration with Google, Apple announced plans to incorporate Gemini into its next-generation AI tools. Additionally, Cook's commitment to domestic growth was highlighted by a $600 billion investment initiative aimed at bolstering the U.S. technology sector. Finally, Cook oversaw the realization of Apple Park in 2017, a state-of-the-art facility that serves as a hub for innovation and sustainable practices, housing over 12,000 employees with a focus on renewable energy. As Cook steps down, his legacy will undoubtedly influence Apple and the tech industry for years to come.