Apple Reportedly Eyes Hardware Chief John Ternus to Replace Tim Cook
Apple is reportedly preparing for a significant leadership transition, with hardware engineering chief John Ternus emerging as the leading internal candidate to succeed CEO Tim Cook. The 50-year-old executive is increasingly in the public spotlight, suggesting a deliberate preparation for the company’s top role, according to reports.
The succession conversation at the world’s most valuable company comes as a broader executive changing of the guard is set to take place. Longtime Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams, once seen as Cook’s heir apparent, relinquished his operations responsibilities in July and is preparing to exit this year, leaving a void at the top.
Ternus, currently the Senior Vice President for Hardware Engineering, has risen to become the front-runner. At 50, the same age Cook was when he became CEO, Ternus offers the potential for a long tenure. His technical background is also seen as crucial for a company that needs to break into new product categories after struggling in areas like mixed reality and generative AI.
The charismatic executive’s influence has reportedly expanded beyond his hardware domain, making him a key decision-maker on product road maps and strategies. In a notable sign of his rising prominence, Ternus recently introduced the new iPhone Air and greeted customers at the flagship London store during the iPhone 17 launch, a role Cook often performed.
Executive Turnover Looms
The potential CEO transition is set against a backdrop of expected executive departures:
- AI Leadership Uncertainty: The status of AI chief John Giannandrea remains uncertain following issues with the rollout of Apple Intelligence and Siri. The company is actively looking at outside talent, including senior AI executives from Meta Platforms, to beef up its AI division.
- Chip Architect Considering Exit: Johny Srouji, the hard-driving leader of the hardware technologies group responsible for Apple’s custom A-series and M-series chips, has reportedly told people he is evaluating his future.
- Other Veterans Nearing Retirement: Lisa Jackson, who oversees environment and social initiatives, has also discussed retirement.
Should Cook eventually step down, it is widely expected he would remain involved, likely as chairman of the board, a path taken by other tech leaders like Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates.
