Tim Cook has transitioned from his role as Apple’s chief executive to the position of executive chair, receiving a compensation package valued at approximately $47 million. This package is comprised of a $2 million base salary and $45 million in shares, with half of these stock awards contingent upon meeting performance targets, while the rest will vest over a period of four years.
In his new role, Cook is expected to concentrate on external affairs, focusing on Apple’s interactions with governments and policymakers, as well as maintaining and strengthening relationships with key international markets. This strategic move follows Cook’s successful tenure as CEO, during which Apple’s market valuation surged to around $4.7 trillion, with his compensation surpassing $74 million in 2025.
John Ternus, who has been a longstanding figure within Apple and previously led the hardware engineering division, has taken over as CEO. Ternus will receive a base salary of $3 million, along with a $55 million stock award. Notably, a larger portion of Ternus’s compensation package is tied to performance, reflecting his new responsibility for steering the company’s product strategy and operations.
Ternus’s promotion to CEO marks a significant shift in leadership for Apple. His extensive experience and previous role as head of hardware engineering position him to guide Apple through its next phase of innovation and market competition. This change at the helm comes at a time when Apple continues to expand its influence and product offerings globally.