According to recent reports from the Financial Times, Apple CEO Tim Cook may step down early next year, with John Ternus, the company’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, positioned as his likely replacement.
CEO Announcement Expected After January Earnings
The succession process at Apple has reportedly gained momentum. Cook, who succeeded Steve Jobs in 2011, has led Apple through an era of unparalleled growth — increasing its market capitalization from $350 billion to $4 trillion. However, the new CEO will not be formally announced before Apple’s earnings report in late January 2026. This timing is strategic, allowing the company to focus on important events later in the year, including the developer conference in June and the launch of the iPhone 18 in September.
If confirmed, Ternus’s appointment would mark the return of a hardware-focused executive at Apple’s helm — a crucial move given recent challenges the company has faced.
Time for Leadership Renewal
Tim Cook’s tenure has exceeded that of the average Fortune 500 CEO, and at the age of 65, a transition to a new leader is widely considered timely. While Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams was once a potential successor, his planned departure this year narrows the candidate pool. Despite exceptional growth under Cook, Apple has yet to make significant innovations, making Ternus’s technical background a sensible direction for the company’s future.
Community Opinions
Is John Ternus the Right Choice?
Journalist Mark Gurman indicated in 2024 that Cook might remain CEO for an additional three years. Nonetheless, Apple’s ventures such as the Vision Pro and self-driving car projects have faced setbacks—the former struggling to gain commercial footing and the latter ultimately abandoned. Bloomberg's Gurman suggests any leadership shake-up is unlikely in the immediate term. However, even if Cook retires, he is expected to stay involved as board chairman, providing guidance to Ternus and the company.
