Freshly minted Apple CEO Tim Cook started his day by sending a note to Apple employees, which was leaked to various news organizations. In the message, which was full of reverence for previous chief executive Steve Jobs, Cook sends a clear message: Nothing's going to change.

It's not an unexpected message, given that Jobs hired Cook from Compaq, and Jobs was Cook's mentor as much as his colleague for his 13 years at Apple. Jobs hand-picked key executives at Apple, and Cook has served in his stead as CEO previously in 2009. Cook also took over day-to-day operations from Jobs when he went on medical leave in January this year.

"I want you to be confident that Apple is not going to change," Cook wrote. "I cherish and celebrate Apple's unique principles and values. Steve built a company and culture that is unlike any other in the world and we are going to stay true to that—it is in our DNA. We are going to continue to make the best products in the world that delight our customers and make our employees incredibly proud of what they do."

A good example of Cook adhering to Jobsian principles is his addressing questions about an LTE iPhone during a recent Apple earnings call. When asked whether the next iPhone—the so-called iPhone 5— would have the nascent high-speed networking technology, Cook said that using the first generation of LTE chipsets would mean compromising the iPhone's form factor and power efficiency, two things prioritized by Jobs in his dedication to product design.

As Apple's chief operating officer, a role he had since 2007, Cook was largely responsible for creating Apple's tightly knit chain of suppliers and has worked to lower the price of Apple hardware over the years. Jeff Williams, who previously served as Apple's senior vice president of operations, replaces Cook as COO.

Jobs abruptly resigned his post as CEO yesterday evening, saying simply he could "no longer meet my duties and expectations" as chief executive. On medical leave since January, he was quickly named chairman of Apple's board and is still an Apple employee. The industry reacted quickly, and the news dominated front pages today. The general consensus matches Cook's sentiment in his email, however: that not much has really changed.

Here's the full text of Cook's memo:

Recommended by Our Editors

Wikipedia Editors Could Strike Following Layoffs

Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket Explodes Spectacularly During Ground Test

Google Engineer Charged for Using Insider Info to Win $1.2M on Polymarket Bets

Team:

I am looking forward to the amazing opportunity of serving as CEO of the most innovative company in the world. Joining Apple was the best decision I've ever made and it's been the privilege of a lifetime to work for Apple and Steve for over 13 years. I share Steve's optimism for Apple's bright future.

Steve has been an incredible leader and mentor to me, as well as to the entire executive team and our amazing employees. We are really looking forward to Steve's ongoing guidance and inspiration as our Chairman.

I want you to be confident that Apple is not going to change. I cherish and celebrate Apple's unique principles and values. Steve built a company and culture that is unlike any other in the world and we are going to stay true to that—it is in our DNA. We are going to continue to make the best products in the world that delight our customers and make our employees incredibly proud of what they do.

I love Apple and I am looking forward to diving into my new role. All of the incredible support from the Board, the executive team and many of you has been inspiring. I am confident our best years lie ahead of us and that together we will continue to make Apple the magical place that it is.

Tim