Meet John Ternus, the Apple exec rumored to be the frontrunner to one day replace Tim Cook as CEO
As Tim Cook approaches his 65th birthday, speculation about his succession as CEO of Apple is intensifying, particularly surrounding John Ternus, the company’s hardware engineering chief. Ternus has been with Apple since 2001 and has played a pivotal role in the development of iconic products such as the iPad and AirPods. In light of recent executive changes, including the retirement announcement of Cook’s longtime deputy, Jeff Williams, Ternus has emerged as a strong candidate to succeed Cook. Reports indicate that Cook may step down as early as next year following Apple’s January earnings report, prompting the company to ramp up its succession planning. Bloomberg has identified Ternus as the “most likely heir apparent,” given his extensive experience and leadership within the company.
Ternus’s background in engineering, having graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in mechanical engineering, positions him well for the role of CEO, particularly in a company renowned for its innovative hardware design. His rise to vice president of hardware engineering in 2013 marked a significant milestone in his career, and he has since become a familiar face at Apple events, showcasing new products and engaging with the media. Notably, his public appearances, such as unveiling the latest iPad models at Apple’s “Let Loose” event in May 2024, have garnered significant attention, with fans and analysts speculating about his potential to lead the company in the future.
Tim Cook has expressed his intention to ensure a smooth transition by preparing several internal candidates for the CEO role, emphasizing the importance of continuity within Apple. He has stated that he believes the next CEO should come from within the company, allowing for a seamless handover of leadership. While Cook reassures that he is not stepping down imminently, the growing buzz around Ternus suggests that Apple is strategically positioning itself for the future. As the tech giant navigates this potential leadership change, Ternus’s blend of engineering expertise and public presence may very well make him the next face of Apple, continuing its legacy of innovation and excellence.
John Ternus is Apple’s head of hardware engineering.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Apple
exec John Ternus is generating potential CEO buzz as Tim Cook recently turned 65.
Ternus is the hardware engineering chief and has worked for Apple since 2001.
With several exec changes in 2025, Ternus’ name is appearing in more headlines as a likely heir apparent.
Tim Cook
has been running Apple for more than
14 years, but he won’t be CEO forever.
With leadership transitions this year, including Cook’s longtime number two, Jeff Williams, announcing his retirement before 2026, John Ternus has emerged as a likely frontrunner for the top job, according to reports in the last year and a half.
The 65-year-old could leave the role as early as next year after Apple’s January earnings report, the
Financial Times
recently reported, and that the iPhone maker has intensified succession planning.
Bloomberg
previously identified Ternus as “the most likely heir apparent.”
Cook has previously said that his ideal candidate for the role would come from within the company and that he’s preparing “several” people to potentially take over.
Meanwhile, Apple fans and Wall Street have become more familiar with Ternus as he makes public appearances tied to iPhone and other product events.
Here’s what to know about the executive who could one day replace Cook at the helm.
He studied engineering
Ternus graduated with a degree in engineering from the University of Pennsylvania in 1997, according to his LinkedIn profile. He majored in mechanical engineering.
He then worked for four years as an engineer before joining Apple’s product design team in 2001, per its website.
Ternus became vice president of hardware engineering in 2013, taking over from Dan Riccio. He’s worked on various Apple products, including every generation and model of iPad, as well as AirPods.
With his hardware chops, Ternus as CEO would mark the return of a chief executive at Apple with a product design background.
Ternus has ample public speaking experience
John Ternus at Apple’s WWDC conference in 2017.
Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images
The job of Apple CEO is one of the most high-profile executive positions in the world, requiring regular media and keynote appearances.
Ternus hasn’t shied away from the spotlight, as he also has experience presenting new products and revealing new versions of the iMac and MacBook at past Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) events.
At Apple’s “Let Loose” event in May 2024, Ternus unveiled new, thinner iPad Pro and iPad Air models. His 2025 has been marked with a number of media appearances, including interviews about Apple’s plans for Apple Intelligence and new hardware.
Following the
launch of the new iPhone Air
, Ternus and senior vice president of worldwide marketing Greg “Joz” Joswiak did an interview showcasing the durability of Apple’s thinnest phone.
The video garnered nearly 350,000 views, and many of the comments discussed if either of the execs would be Cook’s successor. Joswiak, however, is only three years younger than Cook.
Cook wants someone ‘from within Apple’
Tim Cook introducing Apple WWDC 2024
Apple
Although Apple is unsurprisingly tight-lipped about who will take over from Cook, the CEO said in 2023 that there are “very detailed succession plans” in place for when he steps down. He didn’t give much away on who is included in that plan.
“My job is to prepare several people to for the ability to succeed, and I really want the person to come from within Apple,” Cook said in a 2023
interview with singer Dua Lipa
.
Cook added that he aims to give the Apple board multiple candidates to choose from once his time is up. However, he said, it doesn’t mean his time is coming soon.
Apple did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.
“I love it there, and I can’t envision my life without being there,” Cook told Lipa two years ago. “So, I’ll be there for a while.”
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Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering Business news.
