Hardware Engineer John Ternus to Succeed Apple CEO Tim Cook

John Ternus will become Chief Executive of Apple on September 1, 2026, replacing Tim Cook after 15 years in the role.

John has spent more than 25 years at the company and currently serves as Head of Hardware Engineering.

His hardware leadership includes the teams behind iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods and Apple Vision Pro.

Tim took the position in 2011 from Co-founder Steve Jobs and will transition to Executive Chairman, retaining focus on certain aspects of the business while maintaining engagement with policymakers globally.

The two will work closely together through the summer to ensure a smooth transition. 

John Ternus' career so far

John joined Apple's executive team in 2021 as Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering. Over his quarter-century with the business, he has overseen hardware engineering work across multiple product lines.

His portfolio has included the introduction of the iPad and AirPods, as well as multiple generations of iPhone, Mac and Apple Watch. This experience gives him deep knowledge of Apple's manufacturing processes and supply chain operations.

Tim says John "has the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator and the heart to lead with integrity and with honour" and he believes John is "without question the right person to lead Apple into the future".

John said he is "profoundly grateful" for the opportunity to "carry Apple's mission forward", having spent almost his entire career at the company.

"I have been lucky to have worked under Steve Jobs and to have had Tim Cook as my mentor," he said.

"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," John added.

Before joining Apple, John earned a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. 

According to the New York Times, his senior project was "a device that allowed quadriplegics to use head motions to control a mechanical feeding arm". 

Hardware engineering achievements

According to Apple, John has been credited with leading hardware breakthroughs that have helped to define the company's recent era of innovation. By leading the Mac division, John helped the category become "more powerful and more popular globally than at any time in its 40-year history".

He helped to drive the evolution of AirPods by pairing active noise cancellation with a hearing health system. This allows the devices to function as over-the-counter hearing aids.

His background in hardware engineering could position him to focus on manufacturing efficiency and production innovation, as the company focuses on US manufacturing. Under Tim's leadership Apple has now invested more than US$600bn in its American Manufacturing Program.

"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," John said.

"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."

Apple's growth under Tim Cook

Apple’s market cap has surged more than 20-fold during Tim’s tenure.

After becoming the first public company to reach a US$1tn valuation, it took less than eight years for the business to quadruple that figure, hitting the US$4tn mark.

The business operates in more than 200 countries with more than 500 retail stores. Apple has 2.5 billion active devices globally. 

Tim said being "trusted to lead such an extraordinary company" has been "the greatest privilege" of his life. "I love Apple with all of my being," he said in the company's press release.

"I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with a team of such ingenious, innovative, creative and deeply caring people who have been unwavering in their dedication to enriching the lives of our customers and creating the best products and services in the world," Tim added.