May 10, 2024 – After more than 12 years at the helm of Apple, CEO Tim Cook has led the company to unprecedented heights. However, all good things must come to an end, and Cook himself has acknowledged that he cannot hold the position indefinitely. Last year, he hinted that he was on the lookout for a successor within the company, and had already presented several candidates to the board.
According to industry insider Mark Gurman, the most likely candidate to succeed Cook is the 49-year-old John Ternus, currently serving as Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering. Ternus, who joined Apple in 2001, has made significant contributions in the field of hardware engineering, including the development of the first-generation AirPods and various iPad models.
In April 2021, Ternus was promoted to Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, reporting directly to Cook. He oversees all of Apple’s hardware engineering efforts, spanning the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and AirPods product lines. Notably, he led the development of the iPhone 12 series and the M1 chip, underscoring his pivotal role within the Apple team.
Cook has praised Ternus for his profound expertise and extensive experience, describing him as a bold and visionary leader for Apple’s hardware engineering team. As the potential successor to the Apple throne, Ternus’s track record and current responsibilities certainly make him a strong contender.