Tim Cook has sent what is likely his most personal and poignant message to Apple employees, as he steps down from the role of CEO after 15 years. The letter, distributed to all Apple staff on August 31, 2026, marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new leadership chapter under John Ternus.
Cook's career at Apple has been nothing short of remarkable. Joining the company in 1998, he quickly became the operational backbone of Apple, working alongside Steve Jobs. When Cook took over the CEO role in 2011, many wondered whether anyone could fill Jobs' shoes. Cook not only filled them but also led Apple to unprecedented financial success and global influence.
During Cook's tenure, Apple introduced products that redefined industries, from the Apple Watch to AirPods, and his focus on services and subscription revenue transformed the company's business model. Under his leadership, Apple's market capitalization grew from about $350 billion to over $3 trillion, making it one of the most valuable companies in history.
A heartfelt farewell to the team
Cook's final message is addressed to the entire Apple team, a group he describes as "extraordinary." The letter captures the emotional weight of the moment and the deep connection Cook feels to the company and its people. Here is the full text of his message:
Team,
Today is my last day as CEO of Apple. This is a moment I always knew would come one day, and yet it is still hard to believe it has arrived and I am writing these words. I love this company and the team behind it, and I couldn’t let this day pass without sending a note to you, to tell you how grateful I am for the outpouring of affection you’ve sent my way, for the way you’ve shown up each and every day, and most of all, for the privilege of a lifetime serving as your leader.
The truth is, whatever there is to say about my success, I know it is all because of you. You have brought out the best in me. In all my life, I have never seen or been with such an extraordinary team of people before, and every day I get to see more examples of that.
There is something truly special about Apple. I am most proud of what an annual report could never capture. This place is proof that culture triumphs over everything. We share a belief that what we build matters, and that we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to leave the world better than we found it. That purpose is part of what makes this place extraordinary. Apple helps nurture it, but I believe it lived within each of you long before you arrived here. It is what brought you to this company and what continues to drive the work you do every day. Together, we have created something far greater than any one of us could have imagined or accomplished alone. And that’s the secret to our success. We bring out the best in each other. We lift each other up. We have made it possible to leave our “dent in the universe,” as Steve once described it, because of who we are and what we believe, because of what we value and how we see the world. How fortunate we are. How fortunate
Source: The Verge News