Apple appears to be actively preparing for a leadership change, with John Ternus, the company’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, increasingly seen as the most likely successor to Tim Cook.
Ternus has been with Apple since 2001, when he joined the Product Design team. Over the years, he climbed the ranks to become Vice President of Hardware Engineering in 2013, and in 2021, he was promoted to Senior Vice President — reporting directly to Cook.
In his current role, he oversees engineering for major Apple products — including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and AirPods. He also played a critical role in the company’s transition to Apple Silicon, helping bring custom chips to its Mac lineup.
Reports suggest that Apple’s board and top executives are intensifying succession planning now that Jeff Williams, once a top contender, is stepping away from operational duties. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says Ternus has earned more visibility, appearing at key product launches and shaping strategic decisions — signaling that he might be more than just a hardware chief.
Ternus holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and former peers describe him as focused, approachable, and deeply technical — qualities that align with Apple’s long-standing culture.
At 50 years old, Ternus represents a generational shift at Apple. Analysts believe his appointment could bring stability and continuity if he eventually takes over as CEO.
