Meet John Ternus: The Hardware Engineer Who Might Lead Apple After Tim Cook

Apple has long been known for its steady leadership and visionary approach, but with Tim Cook nearing 65, questions about the company’s next CEO are becoming increasingly prominent. Over the past few years, Apple has seen a notable departure of senior executives, including design chief Jony Ive, retail head Angela Ahrendts, CFO Luca Maestri, and COO Jeff Williams. While replacements have been found for most roles, the question of Cook’s successor remains a major topic among investors and tech enthusiasts.

Who Will be Apple’s Next CEO?

Reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggest that the next Apple CEO could come from the hardware division, with John Ternus, the current Vice President of Hardware Engineering, emerging as a leading candidate.

Ternus has been with Apple for over 24 years, giving him extensive experience across product development and engineering. While other executives such as new COO Sabih Khan or retail chief Deirdre O’Brien could step in temporarily, Ternus is reportedly favored for the formal transition due to his deep understanding of Apple’s product roadmap and strategy.

Why John Ternus Is a Strong Candidate

Several factors work in Ternus’s favor. At 50 years old, he is at an ideal age to lead Apple for potentially a decade or more, mirroring the age Tim Cook was when he assumed the CEO role. Beyond his age, Ternus is highly respected within Apple, trusted by Cook, and known for playing a key role in decision-making that extends beyond hardware engineering.

He has influenced major product developments and has even led initiatives like the iPhone Air, Apple’s first significant new form factor in recent years.

Ternus’s Importance in Apple

Ternus’s presence at Apple goes beyond the engineering labs. He has actively engaged with customers, such as welcoming visitors at Apple’s Regent Street store in London during the iPhone 17 launch. His ability to combine technical expertise with leadership and public-facing roles highlights his potential as a CEO who can navigate Apple through both innovation and global market challenges.

While Apple has not confirmed any succession plans, John Ternus’s name keeps surfacing as a top contender to take over from Tim Cook. With his experience, age, and trusted position within the company, Ternus embodies the qualities Apple may seek in a leader capable of guiding the tech giant into the next era of innovation.