For years, Apple’s future leadership has been an open secret. This week, that conversation grew louder, with new reports pointing to a familiar but low-profile name inside Cupertino: John Ternus.
Apple has intensified internal planning for the eventual departure of Tim Cook, according to recent reporting by The New York Times. The outlet reports that Apple began accelerating succession discussions last year, as Cook, now 65, told senior leaders he wanted to reduce his workload.
If Cook steps aside, he is expected to move into the role of chairman of Apple’s board, according to people close to the company cited by the Times.
Why John Ternus stands out
At the center of the discussion is John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering. According to The New York Times, he is now viewed by some insiders as the front-runner to succeed Cook.
Ternus joined Apple in 2001 and has spent more than two decades inside the company’s hardware organization, working across the Mac, iPad, and iPhone. He currently oversees engineering for Apple’s most important devices and plays a key role in coordinating with the company’s global manufacturing partners.
The Times highlights a defining moment from around 2018, when Apple debated adding a costly laser component to all iPhones. Ternus argued it should be limited to higher-end Pro models to protect margins, a decision that reflected what the outlet described as his careful, detail-oriented style.
That balance — innovation without overspending — has become central to his reputation.
“Threading the needle between adding new bells and whistles to Apple’s products while watching the bottom line has defined the careful, low-profile style of Mr. Ternus,” the New York Times wrote.
If appointed, Ternus would become Apple’s first CEO in nearly three decades to rise from the hardware engineering side of the business. Cook came from operations, while Steve Jobs was known for bold vision and risk-taking.
Inside Apple, that distinction has fueled debate about what kind of leader the company needs next.
“If you want to make an iPhone every year, Ternus is your guy,” said Cameron Rogers, a former Apple engineering manager, in comments to The New York Times. “He’s a nice guy,” Rogers added. “He’s someone you want to hang out with. Everyone loves him because he’s great.”
Others point to Ternus’s role in major transitions, including Apple’s move from Intel processors to its own silicon in Macs and his leadership on the slimmed-down iPhone Air released last year.
A separate Financial Times report published in November last year also pointed to Ternus as the most likely successor, saying Apple’s board and senior executives had “intensified preparations” for a leadership transition.
The outlet stressed that the planning is long-term and not tied to Apple’s current performance. Apple’s market value has grown significantly under Cook, rising from approximately $350 billion in 2011 to roughly $4 trillion today, according to the Financial Times.
Other names still in play
While Ternus appears to be the frontrunner, Apple is not putting all its eggs in one basket.
The Times reported that Cook is also preparing several other internal candidates, including software chief Craig Federighi, services head Eddy Cue, marketing leader Greg Joswiak, and retail and HR executive Deirdre O’Brien. Ultimately, the decision will rest with Apple’s board, which includes Cook himself.
Challenges for the next era
The next CEO won’t just maintain the iPhone’s success; they will step into a political and technological minefield.
Apple currently faces mounting pressure to catch up in the AI race, where rivals like Google and Microsoft have taken an early lead. Additionally, the company continues to navigate shifting tariffs and a heavy reliance on Chinese manufacturing.
In other Apple news: Don’t miss the company’s limited-edition “Year of the Horse” AirPods Pro 3 — celebrating Lunar New Year with a special design.
