Apple’s next CEO once walked into the company unsure if he even belonged there. More than two decades later, that same engineer is set to take the top job — a journey that shows how far he has come within the company. Tim Cook has confirmed he will step down as CEO in September, with John Ternus taking over after 25 years at Apple. Cook will move into the role of executive chairman, while Ternus steps in at a time when the company is facing growing pressure to strengthen its position in AI.
From self-doubt to the top job at Apple
Ternus’ journey to the corner office is not a straight line of confidence and certainty. In fact, he has openly spoken about questioning himself on his very first day at Apple. During a 2024 address, he recalled feeling overwhelmed by the people around him.
“I wasn’t sure I belonged there,” he said. “The people I met were so smart and so confident, and they knew so much more than me, but I’ll always be grateful that I wasn’t afraid to ask for help when I needed it.”
That moment of doubt stands in contrast to where he is today, preparing to lead one of the world’s most valuable companies. Cook, announcing the transition, described Ternus as someone who combines technical depth with leadership ability, calling him a leader with “the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and with honor.”
Ternus joined Apple in 2001 after graduating in mechanical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and briefly working in the virtual reality space. His early days at Apple involved working on design projects such as the company’s plastic display products, which required attention to detail and problem-solving across complex materials.
Over time, he moved up steadily. By 2013, he was leading hardware engineering for key products like the Mac and iPad. In 2021, he took over as senior vice president of hardware engineering, a role that put him in charge of some of Apple’s most important product lines, including the iPhone. He has also been closely involved in Apple’s transition to its in-house silicon chips, a move that reshaped the company’s performance strategy.
Ternus has also become a familiar face for consumers, regularly appearing at Apple launch events from Cupertino. Most recently, he introduced new hardware products, reinforcing his position as one of the company’s most visible leaders.
“I am filled with optimism about what we can achieve in the years to come,” Ternus said in a statement. “I am so happy to know that the most talented people on earth are here at Apple, determined to be part of something bigger than any one of us.”
AI challenge awaits the new CEO
As Ternus steps into the CEO role, he will face one of Apple’s biggest challenges in recent years — strengthening its position in AI. While rivals have moved quickly, Apple’s efforts have faced delays, particularly around its next-generation Siri capabilities. The company has also explored partnerships, including working with Google’s Gemini, as it looks to close the gap.
Analysts believe the leadership change could bring renewed focus on product development, especially as Apple tries to regain momentum in AI-driven features. Ternus’ appointment also hints at continuity. Having worked under both Steve Jobs and Cook, he represents a blend of Apple’s original product-first mindset and its modern operational discipline.
