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By Alia Shoaib
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A front-runner has reportedly emerged to succeed Apple CEO Tim Cook when he eventually steps down.
John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president for hardware engineering, is the leading contender to become the company's next chief executive as he brings several key strengths to the table, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
Why It Matters
A transition at the top of Apple would mark the end of a long era under Cook’s leadership. Cook has led Apple through an era of immense financial success but limited technological innovation. His successor will face the challenge, and opportunity, of redefining Apple’s direction for the next decade.
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What To Know
Cook is not expected to step down imminently, but Apple is reportedly considering potential successors.
A few factors place Ternus at an advantage, including that he is charismatic and well-liked within Apple and trusted by Cook, Gurman wrote in his "Power On" newsletter.
Ternus’ background in product engineering could also be an advantage.
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Despite Apple’s ongoing success and growth under Cook, Gurman notes that the company has struggled to break into major new technology categories in recent years, including limited success in mixed reality, generative AI, the smart home, and autonomous vehicles.
Ternus has been visible during several of Apple’s major product launches, most recently with the iPhone Air, suggesting that the company’s marketing teams are increasingly putting him in the spotlight.
Ternus, at 50, is also well-placed to take on a long tenure at the head of Apple. Cook was the same age when he took up the mantle.
Apple Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams was once seen as the heir apparent, but it was announced that he was stepping down earlier this year.
Who Is John Ternus?
Ternus joined Apple in 2001 as an engineer and rose through the ranks to gradually oversee the development of the iPad, Mac, AirPods, and iPhone. In 2021, he became senior vice president of hardware engineering.
An unnamed person close to Apple’s executive team previously told Bloomberg about Ternus: “Tim likes him a lot, because he can give a good presentation, he’s very mild-mannered, never puts anything into an email that is controversial and is a very reticent decision-maker.”
“He has a lot of managerial characteristics like Tim,” they added.
What People Are Saying
Apple CEO Tim Cook spoke about succession on Dua Lipa’s At Your Service podcast last year: “I can step off the wrong curb tomorrow. My job is to prepare several people for the ability to succeed, and I really want the person to come from within Apple. So that’s my role, to make sure that there’s several for the board to pick from.”
What Happens Next
Cook has not given any indication of when he would step down as CEO. In the meantime, senior executives are likely to continue scrutinizing their options for a successor.
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