Tim Cook’s Shift to Executive Chair Draws Reactions from Sam Altman, Palmer Luckey and Warren Buffett

Apple announced on Tuesday that CEO Tim Cook will step down from his role and transition to executive chairman, effective September 1, 2026, with John Ternus set to succeed him as the company’s new chief executive officer.

The leadership change follows a long-planned succession process, with Ternus, a 25-year Apple veteran and current head of Hardware Engineering, taking over as CEO. Ternus joined Apple in 2001 and has overseen the development of flagship products including the iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch, as well as advancements in Mac technology and Apple’s transition to in-house silicon.

Reacting to the news, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman praised Cook’s legacy, calling him “a legend” and expressing gratitude for his contributions to Apple and the tech industry.

Palmer Luckey, co-founder of Oculus and a prominent figure in virtual reality, also shared his reaction to Cook’s transition, joining other tech leaders in commenting on the leadership shift at one of the world’s most valuable companies.

Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and a longtime investor in Apple, added his perspective on the change, reflecting on Cook’s tenure and the company’s direction under new leadership.

As part of the transition, Apple stated that Cook, in his role as executive chairman, will assist with certain strategic matters while Ternus assumes full operational control of the company beginning in September.

The announcement underscores a significant moment in Apple’s history as it prepares for its next phase of innovation under new executive leadership, with industry observers closely watching how the transition will influence the company’s product roadmap and market position.