Mirror Review
January 09, 2026
John Ternus is emerging as one of the strongest internal candidates to succeed Tim Cook as Apple’s next CEO.
He currently serves as Apple’s Senior Vice President (SVP) of Hardware Engineering, leading the teams that design Apple’s most important products, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch.
According to industry analysts, Apple’s board views Ternus as a potential long-term leader, particularly at a time when the company is preparing for significant changes driven by artificial intelligence and global supply chain shifts.
This possible leadership transition matters because Apple is entering a new phase.
Tim Cook spent more than a decade perfecting Apple’s manufacturing scale and operational efficiency.
Now, the next CEO, possibly Ternus, will need to balance that hardware legacy with rapid advances in software, AI, and machine learning.
John Ternus Education and Early Career
Ternus’s journey at Apple began in 2001, during a crucial period when the company was rebuilding itself after years of struggle.
John Ternus trained as a mechanical engineer and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1997.
Mechanical engineering focuses on how physical objects are designed, built, and improved. These skills sit at the heart of Apple’s product philosophy.
Before joining Apple, he worked on early virtual reality headsets. This experience later proved useful as Apple explored advanced devices like mixed-reality products.
At Apple, he quickly stood out for his extreme attention to detail. For example:
- He regularly visited supplier factories.
- He personally inspected tiny components such as screws.
- If a design specified 25 grooves on a screw head and he counted 35, he would challenge the supplier, even if the part was hidden inside the device.
This mindset reflects hardware engineering, which is the discipline of designing physical products to exact specifications. Ternus’s insistence on precision helped him gain trust inside Apple’s famously secretive design culture.
Leading the Mac Revolution
By 2013, John Ternus was promoted to Vice President of Hardware Engineering, putting him in charge of major product lines such as the Mac, iPad, and AirPods.
But his most important contribution came with Apple’s shift to Apple Silicon, their computer chips designed in-house.
Under his leadership, Apple moved Macs from Intel processors to ARM-based chips designed specifically for Apple’s software.
This change delivered three major benefits:
- Faster performance, because the chips were optimized for macOS.
- Much longer battery life, especially in MacBooks.
- Better control over product development, reducing reliance on outside suppliers.
Thanks to this strategy led by him, the Mac regained market share and re-established itself as a top choice for developers, designers, and creative professionals.
John Ternus Failures And Accomplishments
At Apple, leadership is judged not only by success but also by accountability.
John Ternus earned respect during the failure of the butterfly keyboard, a thin keyboard design that suffered from widespread reliability issues such as stuck or unresponsive keys.
Instead of deflecting blame, Ternus openly acknowledged the engineering mistakes in discussions with senior executives. This willingness to take responsibility strengthened his reputation internally.
In 2021, Ternus was promoted to Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, replacing Dan Riccio.
His role later expanded to include oversight of the Apple Watch.
At around 50 years old, he is now the youngest member of Apple’s executive leadership team and is widely described by colleagues as approachable, confident, and well-liked.
The Apple Succession Race: Ternus vs. Federighi
While John Ternus is a leading candidate for Apple CEO, he is not the only contender.
His main internal competition is Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering.
Federighi oversees iOS, macOS, and Apple’s core software platforms and is well known for his public presence at Apple’s developer events.
The choice between Ternus and Federighi reflects two different strategic paths for Apple:
- John Ternus (Hardware-Focused Leadership)
- Emphasizes product design, manufacturing excellence, and supply chain strength.
- Aligns with Apple’s historical identity as a hardware-driven company.
- Craig Federighi (Software and AI Leadership)
- Focuses on services, operating systems, and artificial intelligence.
- Reflects the growing importance of software-led experiences.
Some critics argue that John may be more risk-averse, meaning he prefers steady improvements over radical experimentation.
Reports suggest that some engineers have left his teams for AI-focused companies like OpenAI, highlighting tension between traditional hardware development and fast-moving AI innovation.
How Will He Lead Apple
If John becomes CEO, his biggest challenge will be guiding Apple through the AI revolution. Artificial intelligence relies heavily on machine learning, which allows computers to improve by analyzing data instead of following fixed rules.
Historically, Apple was cautious about AI investments. Even Craig Federighi once questioned whether machine learning was overhyped. Today, Apple is investing more aggressively, but competition from companies like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI is intense.
For John, the risk is clear: Apple must avoid becoming just a premium hardware maker while others dominate AI software platforms.
He would need to ensure that Apple’s devices remain tightly integrated with powerful, privacy-focused AI systems, without losing the company’s hardware advantage.
Why His Appointment Matters to You
For everyday users, the rise of John Ternus as a potential CEO could shape how Apple products evolve over the next decade.
A Ternus–led Apple would likely focus on:
- High-quality materials and premium build design
- Long battery life and performance efficiency
- Seamless integration across Apple devices
End Note
Leadership transitions at Apple happen slowly and deliberately. Tim Cook is not stepping down immediately, but Apple’s board is clearly preparing for the future.
Whether John Ternus ultimately becomes CEO or not, the decisions being made now will define what the next generation of iPhones, Macs, and wearables looks like.
The future of Apple, and the role John may play in it, is being shaped quietly today, long before any official announcement is made.
Maria Isabel Rodrigues
