Following Apple’s announcement that Tim Cook will step down as CEO on September 1, Cook has shared an emotional open letter thanking Apple users around the world.
Cook said that for the past 15 years, he has started most mornings by reading emails from Apple users, many of whom shared stories about the role Apple products played in their lives.
He recalled hearing from people whose mothers were saved by Apple Watch, users who captured memorable moments with iPhone, and customers who explained how Mac had transformed the way they work.
“In every one of those emails I feel the beating heart of our shared humanity,” Cook wrote. “I feel a sense of deepening obligation to work harder and push further. But most of all, I feel a gratitude that I cannot put into words.”
Cook said leading Apple had been “an honor and a privilege” and described the CEO role as “the best job in the world.”
He also used the letter to praise John Ternus, who will become Apple’s next CEO in September.
Cook described Ternus as “a brilliant engineer and thinker” who has spent the past 25 years helping build Apple’s products.
“He is the perfect person for the job,” Cook wrote. “This company will reach such incredible heights under his leadership, and you will feel his impact in every bit of delight and discovery that grows out of the products and services to come.”
Cook added that this is “not goodbye,” as he will remain at Apple as executive chairman of the board.
The letter ended with Cook personally thanking Apple customers for their support over the years.
“Thank you for saying hi to me on the street and in our stores,” he wrote. “Thank you for cheering alongside me when we unveiled a new product or service. Thank you, most of all, for believing in me to lead the company that has always put you at the center of our work.”
Cook said Apple users had “made mine the best I could have asked for,” adding simply: “Thank you.”