Apple named John Ternus as its next chief executive officer, marking a historic leadership transition at one of the world’s most valuable technology companies.
John Ternus will assume the CEO role on September 1, 2026, while Tim Cook transitions to executive chairman after more than a decade of transformative leadership.
Leadership transition at Apple
The appointment of John Ternus follows a long-term succession plan approved unanimously by Apple’s board. Tim Cook will remain CEO through the summer of 2026, ensuring a smooth transition before stepping into his new role. Meanwhile, board chairman Arthur Levinson will move into the position of lead independent director.
Under Tim Cook’s leadership since 2011, Apple has expanded its market capitalization from about $350 billion to $4 trillion and increased annual revenue to more than $416 billion in fiscal 2025. The company also built a services business exceeding $100 billion and expanded its global presence to over 200 countries.
John Ternus: A 25-year Apple veteran
John Ternus is one of Apple’s most experienced leaders, with nearly 25 years at the company. He joined Apple’s product design team in 2001 and rose steadily through the ranks, becoming vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2013 and senior vice president in 2021.
John Ternus has played a central role in shaping Apple’s hardware innovation across multiple flagship products, including:
iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch generations
New product categories like iPad and AirPods
Advancements in Mac performance during the Apple silicon transition
His leadership has helped make the Mac more powerful and globally popular, while also driving innovation in design, durability, and sustainability.
Engineering-driven leadership style
Known for his deep technical expertise, John Ternus is regarded as an engineer-first leader. His work has focused on improving product reliability, introducing new materials, and enhancing environmental sustainability.
Key contributions include:
Development of recycled aluminum materials across devices
Use of advanced materials like 3D-printed titanium
Improvements in repairability and product lifespan
Hardware innovations that reduce carbon footprint
His approach aligns with Apple’s broader sustainability goals and long-term product strategy.
Vision for Apple’s future
John Ternus has emphasized continuity in Apple’s mission while signaling optimism about future innovation. Having worked under Steve Jobs and mentored by Tim Cook, he represents a blend of Apple’s design legacy and operational excellence.
As CEO, Ternus is expected to focus on:
Next-generation hardware innovation
Integration of AI and advanced technologies
Continued expansion of Apple’s ecosystem
Sustainability and product lifecycle improvements
Educational and professional background
Before joining Apple, John Ternus worked as a mechanical engineer at Virtual Research Systems. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, providing a strong technical foundation for his leadership role.
A new era for Apple
The elevation of John Ternus signals Apple’s commitment to engineering-led innovation at the highest level. As the company enters its next phase, Ternus is expected to build on the legacy of Steve Jobs and Tim Cook while steering Apple toward new breakthroughs in technology, design, and global impact.
BABURAJAN KIZHAKEDATH