Tim Cook, stepping down from his role as Apple’s chief executive, has transitioned to the position of executive chair, receiving a compensation package valued at approximately $47 million. This package comprises a $2 million base salary alongside $45 million in shares, with half of these shares contingent upon meeting specific performance targets, while the rest will vest over a four-year period.
As Cook shifts focus to his new responsibilities as executive chair, he will concentrate on Apple’s external affairs, including fostering relationships with governments and policymakers and strengthening ties with critical international markets. This strategic move comes after Cook’s successful tenure as CEO, during which Apple’s market value surged significantly, reaching an impressive $4.7 trillion.
In Cook’s stead, John Ternus has assumed the role of CEO. Ternus, previously the head of hardware engineering and a long-standing executive within Apple, now leads the company’s product strategy and operations. His compensation package includes a $3 million base salary and a $55 million stock award, with a larger portion of his package being performance-based.
Under Cook’s leadership as CEO, his compensation exceeded $74 million in 2025, reflecting Apple’s remarkable growth and success during his tenure. Now, with Ternus at the helm, Apple aims to continue its trajectory of innovation and market leadership, leveraging Ternus’s expertise and experience in hardware engineering to guide the company’s future endeavors.
