Apple's next CEO: Hardware Chief John Ternus emerges as top contender

Tim Cook turned 65 on November 1, which immediately brought questions about his retirement and the future leadership of the technology corporation into sharp focus.

Cook, who took over as Chief Executive Officer from Steve Jobs in 2011, stated in 2021 he does not expect to hold his position until 2031. He has set no firm departure date, but multiple news reports suggest Apple is quietly working on a smooth leadership transition. The board seeks an internal executive to maintain the company’s direction.

The Frontrunner: John Ternus

The focus of the succession race centers on John Ternus. As the Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, Ternus has spent over two decades shaping Apple’s product line. He is now the leading candidate to become the next CEO.

Ternus, who is around 50, joined Apple in 2001. He oversaw the engineering for nearly every major product category, including the iPhone, multiple generations of the iPad, and the AirPods. Crucially, he led the effort to transition the Mac computer line to Apple’s custom-designed Silicon chips.

Ternus earned a reputation as a well-regarded, trustworthy leader who shares many managerial characteristics with Cook. He has grown his responsibilities and visibility in recent years, often presenting major products at the company’s keynotes.

A Clear Path Forward

The field for Cook’s replacement narrowed significantly over the summer. For years, Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams stood as the likely successor, holding the same operational role Cook held before becoming CEO. Williams stepped down from operational duties in July 2025 and plans to retire by the end of the year. His departure cleared the path for Ternus.

Other seasoned executives remain possible contenders. They include Craig Federighi, the Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, who is well-known for presenting new operating systems at public events. Sabih Khan, who took over the critical Chief Operating Officer role, also stands as a potential leader by corporate precedent.

The Cook Legacy

Cook's successor inherits a company that looks vastly different from the one he took over. Under his 14-year tenure, Cook transformed the business into a financial powerhouse. He guided the company’s market value from USD 347 billion to approximately USD 3.77 trillion.

Cook achieved this growth by building the Services division, which includes the App Store, Apple Music, and iCloud, into a business that generates nearly USD 100 billion per year. He also oversaw the successful launch of entirely new product categories, most notably the Apple Watch and AirPods.

The next CEO must navigate a technology landscape focused on artificial intelligence. They will face pressure to maintain Apple’s trajectory and grow revenue beyond the maturing smartphone market. The world watches to see if the company selects an operational expert like Cook or a product-focused executive to lead the next chapter.