Apple Leaders Mark 15th Anniversary of Steve Jobs' Death, Praise His Enduring Legacy

Apple (AAPL) CEO John Ternus and former CEO Tim Cook issued public tributes on Oct. 5, 2026, marking 15 years since co-founder Steve Jobs died of pancreatic cancer. Both executives emphasized that Jobs' philosophy continues to guide Apple's direction. Ternus said Jobs taught the company to care deeply about every detail, every experience and every person, calling the lessons a lasting guide for its work. Cook said Jobs "changed the world" and "changed countless lives," adding that Jobs forever changed his own life and that his spirit lives on in everything he created. Jobs, who led Apple through the launches of the iPhone, iPad and other products, died on Oct. 5, 2011. The company's current leadership said his pursuit of perfection remains embedded in Apple's corporate DNA.