A new chapter post transition to Apple-designed silicon

After more than a decade of being led by Tim Cook-style operational efficiency, John Ternus’ appointment as CEO marks Apple and its ultimate root: craftsmanship.

Apple recently announced that Tim Cook will become executive chairman of Apple’s board of directors and John Ternus, senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, will become Apple’s next chief executive officer effective on 1 September 2026.

A new leadership follows the path that Cook built since 2011, which also marked Apple’s transition to Apple-designed silicon, enabling the company to own more of its primary technology and deliver industry-leading gains in power efficiency and performance that directly benefit users across its products.

“John Ternus has the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and with honour. He is a visionary whose contributions to Apple over 25 years are already too numerous to count, and he is without question the right person to lead Apple into the future. I could not be more confident in his abilities and his character, and I look forward to working closely with him on this transition and in my new role as executive chairman,” said Cook.

As the figure behind Apple’s hardware since 2001, Ternus is not a new person. He leads the development of iconic products such as iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch.

“I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple’s mission forward. Having spent almost my entire career at Apple, I have been lucky to have worked under Steve Jobs and to have had Tim Cook as my mentor. It has been a privilege to help shape the products and experiences that have changed so much of how we interact with the world and with one another. I am filled with optimism about what we can achieve in the years to come, and 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. I am humbled to step into this role, and I promise to lead with the values and vision that have come to define this special place for half a century,” Ternus said.

Throughout his tenure at Apple, Ternus has overseen hardware engineering work on a variety of groundbreaking products across every category. He was instrumental in the introduction of multiple new product lines, including iPad and AirPods, as well as many generations of products across iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch.

Ternus led much of the company’s focus in areas like reliability and durability, introducing new techniques that have made Apple products remarkably resilient. He has also driven much of Apple’s innovation in materials and hardware design that have reduced the carbon footprint of its products, including the creation of a new, recycled aluminum compound that has been introduced across multiple product lines, the use of 3-D printed titanium in Apple Watch Ultra 3, and innovations in repairability that have increased the lifespans of several Apple products.

With deep expertise in hardware, Apple’s direction forward seems to be more of an emphasis on “look and feel” — making devices not just tools, but mature design work. For Apple, craftsmanship isn’t just about looks, it’s also about invisible details. Ternus’ calm and hands-on approach reflects a focus on quality, materials, and a solid user experience.

In the midst of the AI era, Apple has emphasized one thing: great technology still starts with powerful hardware. Apple’s future is not just about numbers, but also about the beauty of a craftsmanship.

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