Apple has recently announced that Tim Cook, its current CEO who has overseen the launch of plenty of new hardware and software, is moving to a new role as Executive Chairman.
John Ternus, Cook’s direct report, has been announced as Apple’s new CEO and will start his new role from September 1st 2026 – presumably in time for the annual iPhone hardware launch which usually takes place in September, and could reveal the iPhone Fold.
But who is John Ternus and what has his career looked like?
We explain everything we know about John Ternus, from his career with Apple to being mentored by Tim Cook himself.
Who is Tim Cook?
We’ll start with a refresher on Ternus’ mentor. Tim Cook has been Apple’s CEO since 2011, although he has worked at the company since 1998. During his 15 years as CEO, Cook has not only overseen the launch of the likes of Apple Watch, AirPods and Apple Vision Pro, but also new services including Apple Pay, Apple TV and Apple Music too.
According to Apple, Cook has grown the brand from a market capitalisation of approximately $350 billion to an eye-watering $4 trillion, while yearly revenue has “nearly quadrupled” and reached over $416 billion in fiscal year 2025. In addition, Apple has grown by more than 100,000 team members and increased its active installed base to more than 2.5 billion devices in the past 15 years.
In a community letter, Cook explained that he won’t be leaving Apple altogether, and instead will be transitioning into a new role as Apple’s Executive Chairman.
Who is John Ternus?
After working at Apple since 2001, John Ternus has been named as the company’s next CEO and will officially start the new role from September 2026.
Hailed by Tim Cook as being the “perfect person for the job”, Ternus joined Apple’s Product Design team back in 2001 and rose up the ranks to become VP of Hardware Engineering in 2013. In 2021, Ternus then became Senior VP of Hardware Engineering and directly reports to Tim Cook.
Prior to his tenure at Apple, Ternus worked as a Mechanical Engineer at Virtual Research Systems, following graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Ternus’ background in hardware and product design is noteworthy, as it suggests that Apple isn’t putting all its eggs into software and, specifically, AI. That makes sense, given that it’s Apple’s hardware that’s made headlines, and not necessarily the likes of Apple Intelligence or Siri.
What is John Ternus known for?
According to Apple, Ternus was “instrumental” in introducing the iPad and AirPods, and oversaw many generations of iPhone, Apple Watch and Mac.
Apple especially praised Ternus’ work on Mac, and stated that he helped the category become more popular globally than “at any time in its 40-year history”.
In addition, Ternus introduced new techniques to keep devices reliable and durable too, while focusing on materials and hardware designs that reduces products’ carbon footprint. This includes creating new, recycled aluminium, 3D printing titanium for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and better repairability that have increased the lifespans of several Apple products.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
