John Ternus has been named the next chief executive officer of Apple, set to take over from Tim Cook on September 1, 2026. This transition marks a significant moment for the company as it navigates a rapidly changing technology landscape, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI). Ternus, who has spent over 25 years at Apple, has held various roles, most recently as senior vice president of hardware engineering. His leadership is expected to prioritize innovation while upholding Apple's legacy of user-centric design.

The decision to appoint Ternus reflects Apple's preference for promoting internal leaders and aligns with a long-term succession strategy approved by the board. As CEO, Ternus will face the challenge of enhancing Apple's competitive edge in AI, an area where the company has lagged behind rivals like OpenAI and Google. Despite introducing Siri in 2011, Apple has yet to launch a major AI-driven product, raising questions about its future strategy.

Tim Cook, who has led Apple since 2011, will transition to the role of executive chairman, continuing to influence the company's strategic direction. Under Cook's leadership, Apple saw its market value increase dramatically, with shares rising approximately 20-fold. As Ternus prepares to take the helm, he is expected to focus on hardware innovation and sustainability, ensuring that Apple remains at the forefront of technological advancements.