Source TOI
CUPERTINO/MOUNTAIN VIEW — In a rare moment of public camaraderie between the world’s two largest tech rivals, Google CEO Sundar Pichai has paid a heartfelt tribute to Tim Cook following the announcement of his departure as Apple’s Chief Executive Officer.
Responding to Cook’s emotional “not goodbye” message on X (formerly Twitter), Pichai praised his counterpart’s 15-year tenure, which saw Apple transform into a nearly $4 trillion behemoth.
A Respectful Handover
Pichai’s message arrived shortly after Apple confirmed that John Ternus, the current Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, will officially step into the CEO role on September 1, 2026.
“Congrats on an incredible run, Tim Cook,” Pichai wrote. “I’ve always respected your deep commitment to Apple’s mission and best wishes in your new role! Look forward to working with John as well!”
The exchange highlights the unique “frenemy” relationship between the two giants. While they compete fiercely in the smartphone and AI markets, they remain deeply interconnected through massive search engine partnerships and shared ecosystem dependencies.
The End of an Era
Tim Cook, who took over from Steve Jobs in 2011, will not be leaving the company entirely. He is set to transition into the role of Executive Chairman, where he will continue to influence global strategy and policy engagement.
Under Cook’s leadership, Apple achieved:
A market cap increase of over 1,000%.
Annual revenue growth from $108 billion in 2011 to over $416 billion in 2025.
The successful launch of category-defining products like the Apple Watch and AirPods.
Who is John Ternus?
The “message” for John Ternus from the tech community is one of high expectations. A 25-year Apple veteran, Ternus is described by Cook as a “visionary” with the “mind of an engineer and the soul of an innovator.”
Ternus has been a central figure in Apple’s hardware success, overseeing the transition to Apple Silicon and the design of the latest iPhone and Mac generations. As he prepares to lead, he faces the challenge of navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of generative AI—a field where Google and Apple are increasingly finding themselves at both odds and the bargaining table.
As the industry prepares for this transition, Pichai’s outreach signals a desire for continued stability and collaboration in an era defined by shifting leadership and technological upheaval.
