Apple has entered a new era with Tim Cook relinquishing the role of chief executive after 15 years, handing the reins to hardware veteran John Ternus. Yet Cook’s departure from the CEO’s chair is far from a full exit. A newly disclosed compensation package worth up to $47 million underscores Apple’s intent to keep him deeply involved as executive chair.
The deal includes a $2 million base salary—lower than his previous CEO pay—and a substantial equity award targeted at $45 million. Half of those restricted stock units are tied to Apple’s performance against the S&P 500, while the rest vest over four years. The structure signals Apple’s expectation that Cook will continue shaping the company’s trajectory, even if he is no longer steering daily operations.
Also read a HUMOUR article: Snore Wars: The Chatterjee Express
Cook’s legacy is formidable. Since succeeding Steve Jobs in 2011, he transformed Apple into a $4 trillion powerhouse, expanding its reach into semiconductors, services, and new consumer technologies. His tenure was marked by record profits, global expansion, and the delicate balancing act of maintaining Apple’s reliance on China as both a market and manufacturing hub while navigating U.S. political currents. Those relationships—cultivated in Washington and Beijing—remain critical as Apple faces trade disputes, regulatory scrutiny, and geopolitical uncertainty. The executive chair role positions Cook to leverage that experience without bearing the full weight of operational leadership.
Also read and WATCH: Can’t one be a Muslim and take part in a Hindu festival? Actress Faria Abdullah answers hate with grace
John Ternus, Apple’s new CEO, inherits one of the most scrutinized jobs in global business. His compensation reflects the responsibility: a $3 million salary and restricted stock valued at $55 million, with 75% tied directly to Apple’s performance. Ternus, who joined Apple in 2001 and led hardware engineering across the iPhone, Mac, and other devices, will make his first major appearance as CEO at Apple’s September 9 product launch. Beyond unveiling new devices, he must define Apple’s artificial intelligence strategy, retain top talent, and identify the next breakthrough product to sustain growth at a company already valued in the trillions.
Also read: Tied up and set ablaze, Chandigarh influencer Manjeet Kaur dies after 54 days of suffering
The contrast in pay packages highlights the division of labor. Ternus is tasked with driving innovation and growth, while Cook provides continuity, institutional memory, and strategic counsel. In a farewell note to employees, Cook emphasized that he was stepping away from a role he loved but not from Apple itself, assuring staff that his commitment to the company remains intact.
Cook’s 15‑year tenure reshaped Apple’s identity, proving that the company could thrive beyond its visionary co‑founder. His new role ensures that Apple’s future will still be influenced by the steady hand that guided it through one of the most consequential chapters in corporate history. 
