The Apple news headlines for August 31

This was Tim Cook’s last day as Apple’s CEO. Read his final memo to staff and more in today’s short summary of news – but click here to read everything and subscribe to the newsletter.

Tim Cook’s final memo to Apple employees as CEO

“We have made it possible to leave our “dent in the universe,” as Steve once described it, because of who we are and what we believe, because of what we value and how we see the world. How fortunate we are. How fortunate I am.”

Sending lots of love to the Apple community on my last day as CEO. My title changes tomorrow, but the love I have for the Apple community never will. Thank you for being a constant source of inspiration. My gratitude is endless, and I’m excited for the next chapter!

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) August 31, 2026

Is this Tim Cook’s last PR statement as CEO?

“Imagination is woven into everything we do. It drives how we innovate, how we design, and how we work every day to empower people everywhere to create their own extraordinary things,” he said, announcing Apple as first brand to be inducted into The One Club for Creativity’s new Brand Hall of Fame. 

Phil Schiller steps down from leadership roles

Apple Fellow Phil Schiller no longer leads the App Store and product events.

pic.twitter.com/9SxQBxVvHV

— Francisco Jeronimo (@fjeronimo) August 31, 2026

iPhone strongest ever June quarter global share

iOS recorded its highest-ever June quarter share at 20%, supported by steady demand for the iPhone 17 series and the launch of the iPhone 17e. PS: Tim Cook’s Apple sold 3.1 billion iPhones.

What happened over the weekend? You’ll find all the weekend’s news here, or click here to catch up on August 28.