India, April 21 -- In a major leadership shift at Apple., CEO Tim Cook has announced that he will step down from the role, with the company's head of hardware engineering, John Ternus, set to take over as CEO in September this year. Cook said he will continue to be associated with Apple as its executive chairman.

Cook also wrote a memo to Apple employees, stating that Ternus is the kind of 'visionary' leader he believes will take the company to the next level and drive future innovation.

"Throughout the many years I've worked with him, and our many conversations about his becoming Apple's next CEO, John's passion and love for Apple shine through. He is a visionary in his own right, a man of remarkable integrity, and the kind of person w...