Apple executive chairman and former CEO Tim Cook has honored co-founder Steve Jobs on the 15th anniversary of his passing, calling the tech visionary a person who altered his life permanently. Cook posted his thoughts to X on October 5, reflecting on Jobs’ profound effect on Apple, the technology sector, and the individuals who worked alongside him.
This anniversary arrives during a significant period for Apple. Jobs passed away on October 5, 2011, at 56 years old, shortly after resigning as Apple CEO and suggesting Cook to take his place. Additionally, this year represents the first memorial since John Ternus assumed the position of Apple’s CEO, with Cook transitioning to executive chairman.
Tim Cook Reflects on Jobs’ Personal Impact
Cook’s yearly homage centered on the enduring personal significance Jobs held for him. He remarked that Jobs did more than merely leave an imprint on the world, noting that his reach extended to “so many lives” and fundamentally transformed Cook’s own trajectory.
Cook regularly honors Jobs on the date of his death, upholding a custom that remains a staple of Apple’s annual memorial for its late co-founder. His most recent statement additionally drew attention to the lasting legacy of Jobs’ innovations and the individuals he motivated.
There are people who leave a mark on the world, and then there are people who change it entirely. Steve changed the world and so many lives in the process. He certainly changed my life forever. His spirit lives on in everything he created and everyone he inspired.
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) October 5, 2026
John Ternus Pays Tribute to Apple’s Co-Founder
Apple CEO John Ternus likewise posted a statement recognizing the anniversary. Diverging from Cook’s expansive outlook, Ternus concentrated on the values Jobs instilled within Apple’s corporate culture, specifically highlighting his meticulous focus on detail alongside the user and employee experience.
Ternus noted that the insights Jobs imparted regarding a dedication to “every detail, every experience, every person” continue to direct Apple’s operations today. He concluded his statement by expressing gratitude to Jobs for his impact on the enterprise.
The way Steve taught us to care about every detail, every experience, every person, still guides our work today. Forever grateful.
— John Ternus (@johnternus) October 5, 2026
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Steve Jobs’ Influence Still Shapes Apple
Jobs passed away shortly following the introduction of the iPhone 4s, signaling a major shift for the organization. His leadership tenure yielded revolutionary offerings like the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad, while his core principles of design, minimalism, and seamless hardware-software integration became defining elements of Apple’s corporate identity.
Apple maintains Jobs’ memory via its enduring “Remembering Steve” tribute portal, featuring submissions from over a million individuals. Fifteen years following his passing, statements from both Cook and Ternus demonstrate that his impact continues to be deeply connected to Apple’s ethos and product vision.
