Who is set to take over as Apple CEO?

John Ternus has been named the next chief executive of Apple Inc., with the leadership transition set for September 1, 2026.

Ternus will succeed Tim Cook, who is stepping down after more than 15 years at the helm, and will move into the role of executive chairman.

Currently serving as Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering since 2021, Ternus has played a central role in shaping many of the company’s flagship products.

He joined Apple in 2001 as part of its product design team and rose through the ranks to become Vice President of Hardware Engineering in 2013 before joining the executive team.

Over the years, he has overseen hardware engineering across a wide range of Apple products, including the iPad, iPhone, AirPods, Mac, and Apple Watch.

He has also been closely associated with Apple’s transition to its in-house silicon, a move that significantly boosted performance and efficiency across its devices.

Ternus has been instrumental in launching several new product lines and advancing existing ones. His leadership contributed to improvements in Mac performance and global popularity, as well as the introduction of new devices such as the MacBook Neo.

His team also led the rollout of updated iPhone models, including the iPhone 17 series, alongside innovations in AirPods technology, particularly in noise cancellation and hearing health features.

Beyond product development, Ternus has driven efforts to improve durability and sustainability in Apple’s hardware. His work includes the adoption of recycled aluminum materials across multiple product lines, the use of advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D-printed titanium components, and enhancements in repairability aimed at extending device lifespan.

Before joining Apple, Ternus worked as a mechanical engineer at Virtual Research Systems. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.

Described as a leader with a strong engineering mindset and innovative approach, Ternus is expected to guide Apple into its next phase as it navigates evolving technology trends and global competition.