John Ternus Named Top Pick to Replace Apple CEO Tim Cook

Apple is positioning John Ternus, its senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, as the leading candidate to succeed CEO Tim Cook, according to a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The 50-year-old executive has emerged as the frontrunner as Apple’s leadership structure undergoes significant changes.

Apple CEO Succession Plans Take Shape

Tim Cook, who turns 65 next month, is expected to remain as Apple CEO for at least five more years before transitioning to board chairman. The departure of Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams, who gave up operations duties in July and will retire by year-end, has eliminated the previous heir apparent and accelerated succession planning.

Ternus has led Apple’s hardware engineering division and overseen development of flagship products including iPhone and Mac. His responsibilities have expanded beyond hardware to include product roadmaps, features, marketing decisions, and overall strategy, according to Bloomberg.

Executive Turnover Reshapes Apple Leadership

Several longtime Apple executives are nearing retirement or facing uncertain futures. Johny Srouji, who leads Apple’s chip division, has told colleagues he is evaluating his future following the recent launch of Apple’s first in-house cellular modem and integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips.

AI chief John Giannandrea’s position has become uncertain after struggles with Apple Intelligence and delayed Siri improvements. Apple has shifted some of his responsibilities to other leaders and explored hiring senior AI executives from Meta’s Superintelligence Labs, Gurman reports.

Lisa Jackson, who oversees environmental and government affairs, has also discussed retirement plans.

Why Apple Is Betting on Ternus

At 50, Ternus is approximately the same age Cook was when he became CEO in 2011, positioning him for a potential decade-long tenure. Unlike Cook’s operations background, Ternus brings deep technical expertise in product engineering, which Apple’s board may favor following recent challenges in AI and mixed reality.

Apple has significantly raised Ternus’s public profile. He introduced the iPhone Air in September, appeared at the iPhone 17 launch at Apple’s Regent Street store in London, and participated in high-profile interviews. Industry observers and people close to Apple see his selection as all but certain.

Tim Cook’s Future Role at Apple

When Cook eventually steps down, he is expected to remain involved as board chairman, similar to leadership transitions at Amazon, Microsoft, and Netflix. This structure would provide continuity while allowing a new CEO to establish their vision.

Cook has led Apple through a decade of unprecedented financial growth, transforming it into the world’s most valuable company. His successor will face different challenges, particularly in generative AI and spatial computing, where technical product leadership will be critical.

Ternus did not respond to requests for comment. Apple declined to comment on succession planning.