Apple revealed the salary of new CEO John Ternus
Apple’s new CEO John Ternus can expect a target compensation of approximately $58 million for the 2027 fiscal year. However, only $3 million of this amount will be fixed salary. The bulk of the compensation is tied to Apple stock and company performance.
If we roughly divide John Ternus’s annual compensation package, it amounts to about $159 000 per day.
Salary and stock options
Apple disclosed the terms of Terence’s compensation in an updated report filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Starting September 1, his annual salary was increased to $3 million.
Additionally, the board of directors approved an annual stock package with a target value of $55 million for the new head of Apple, to be granted in fiscal year 2027.
Three-quarters of this amount, or about $41,25 million, are allocated to RSU, which depend on the company’s performance. The number of shares actually received will be determined based on Apple shareholders’ total return relative to other companies in the S&P 500 index.
The remaining 25%, or approximately $13,75 million, are tied to the RSU with a time-based vesting schedule. They will transfer to Turnus’s ownership in equal installments every six months over four years.
Separate payment for 2026
Ternus assumed the role of Apple’s chief executive officer on September 1, shortly before the end of the company’s current fiscal year. During this period, he was separately granted a pro-rated RSU package with a target value of $2,5 million.
This payment is not included in the $55-million annual package approved for the 2027 fiscal year.
How much will Tim Cook earn?
Tim Cook, after 15 years leading Apple, has moved to the role of executive chairman of the board. Starting September 26, his fixed annual salary will decrease from $3 million to $2 million.
In the 2027 fiscal year, Cook is also planned to receive stock with a target value of $45 million. Half of the package will depend on Apple’s performance relative to S&P 500 companies; the other half will vest in equal portions over four years.
Thus, the target size of his new package is $47 million compared to $58 million for Turnus. For comparison, Cook’s total compensation for the 2025 fiscal year reached $74,3 million.
Change in Apple’s leadership
John Ternus officially became Apple’s CEO on September 1, 2026. Prior to this, he served as Senior Vice President of Hardware. At the same time, Ternus joined the company’s board of directors.
Cook retained an active role at Apple as executive chairman. In particular, the company previously stated that he would continue to oversee specific areas of work, including engagement with government representatives from various countries.
