• Source:JND
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Apple's list of executives leaving has been steadily expanding over the years. Key figures like former design chief Jony Ive, retail head Angela Ahrendts, Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri and Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams have all left their roles, though most positions have found replacements; one key role has yet to be filled: who will replace Tim Cook as Apple's next CEO?

Apple’s Leadership Transition Underway

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports in his Power On newsletter that Apple has initiated internal discussions regarding CEO succession planning. Tim Cook will turn 65 this coming September and has led the company for more than 10 years; now may be an appropriate time for him to step aside and prepare to pass on leadership duties to someone else.

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Jeff Williams, Apple's former COO and an early retiree himself, had long been seen as Cook's successor. Since his announcement of retirement earlier this year, however, consideration has shifted toward other senior leaders as potential successors.

John Ternus Reportedly Emerging as the Leading Candidate

Bloomberg reports that John Ternus, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, is currently the top contender for the CEO position. Ternus has been with Apple for over 24 years, playing a major role in the company’s most iconic product launches.

At 50 years old, Ternus is seen as the ideal age to take the helm — capable of leading the company for the next decade or more. Interestingly, Tim Cook was also 50 when he became Apple’s CEO in 2011.

Mark Gurman highlights that Ternus is trusted by Cook and highly respected among Apple’s internal teams. “He has become a key decision-maker on product roadmaps, features, and overall strategy — expanding his influence far beyond hardware engineering,” Gurman noted.

Ternus’s Growing Influence at Apple

John Ternus has become increasingly well-known since joining Apple. Reportedly, he played an integral part in introducing the iPhone Air - Apple's first new form factor since 2013. Furthermore, John demonstrated his leadership style and hands-on approach when welcoming customers at Regent Street store during launch of iPhone 17 series launch event on September 19.

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Possible Interim Leadership

Should a crisis arise, according to Apple's new COO Sabih Khan or retail chief Deirdre O'Brien may temporarily fill the role. But Ternus appears to be their logical successor as long-term leader.

Final Thoughts

As Apple enters its next decade of innovation, all eyes are focused on how the company plans to handle a leadership transition. John Ternus may well be an ideal fit as Apple prepares to enter this next decade with him having strong technical experience, deep company roots and emerging strategic influence - characteristics which could make him the ideal leader.