Apple’s Next CEO? Why John Ternus is the Favourite to Succeed Tim Cook

As Apple approaches its 50th anniversary on April 1, the company is navigating a quiet but significant change at the top. According to people familiar with the matter, hardware engineering chief John Ternus has solidified his status as the primary candidate to succeed 65-year-old Tim Cook, reports Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

The shift comes as Apple faces what sources describe as a logical transition fuelled by an aging leadership team and recent struggles in artificial intelligence (umm, AI Siri where are you?). During a January all-hands meeting, Cook addressed a spate of high-profile departures by noting that “when people get to a certain age, some are going to retire.”

Those close to the company say the 50-year-old Ternus is being groomed for the role due to his age, technical prowess, and risk-averse management style.

Current and former executives who have worked closely with Ternus describe him as a “meticulous engineer” and an “obvious choice” to maintain Apple’s culture. Unlike Cook, who focuses on supply chains and finance, sources say Ternus is a “real engineer” who drills into tiny hardware details. He has recently seen a steady expansion of his portfolio, taking control of a secretive robotics unit and overseeing design across both hardware and software.

Public signs of this succession plan are becoming harder to ignore. Earlier this month, it was Ternus who revealed the new MacBook Neo in New York, followed by a solo appearance on Good Morning America. This media slot is typically reserved for Cook, says Gurman.

While Ternus is currently overseeing a massive overhaul of the iPhone line and new AI-powered home devices, he has yet to prove he can bring the next big thing.

So what will happen to Cook when he retires? Sources claim he will continue to be Apple’s diplomat, in particular continuing to deal (schmooze) with the U.S. administration and President Trump.