Apple Reportedly Begin Hunt for CEO Tim Cook's Successor: Who is John Ternus?

Apple is reportedly preparing for a major leadership change, with Tim Cook considering leaving the Apple CEO role after more than a decade in charge. The New York Times reported that Cook, who turned 65 in November 2025, has told senior executives that current responsibilities feel heavy and that a slower, quieter lifestyle now appeals.

According to the report, Apple has been working on a formal succession plan since late 2024, treating a possible transition as a sensitive but active project. Cook, one of Silicon Valley’s longest-serving chiefs, is expected to remain closely involved with the company, and may move to the position of Chairman of Apple’s board if a new Apple CEO is appointed.

Tim Cook Succession Plans and Internal Candidates

People familiar with the talks told The New York Times, on condition of anonymity, that Cook has privately informed top leaders that the workload has become tiring and that a reduced schedule is desirable. The same report suggested that Apple favours promoting an internal executive as the next Apple CEO rather than bringing in someone from outside the organisation.

Cook is said to be guiding several senior figures as possible successors to the Apple CEO role. The shortlist reportedly includes Craig Federighi, Senior Vice President of Software Engineering; Eddy Cue, Senior Vice President of Services; Greg Joswiak, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing; and Deirdre O'Brien, Senior Vice President of Retail and People. Their current positions are summarised below.

John Ternus Apple CEO Frontrunner

Among the internal contenders, Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering John Ternus is described as the leading candidate for Apple CEO. Ternus joined Apple’s Product Design team in 2001 and moved into the current senior role in 2013. Over the last decade, Ternus has overseen hardware engineering for major products such as the iPhone, iPad and AirPods.

The report added that Ternus plays a central role in Apple’s shift of the Mac line to Apple silicon, a key technical change for the company. Ternus is also credited with driving the strategy that made iPhone Pro models more advanced and more expensive than non-Pro versions, first introduced with the iPhone 11 series in 2019.

Any final decision on who becomes the next Apple CEO will rest with Apple’s board of directors, where Cook also sits as a member. The board is expected to weigh Cook’s desire for a lighter workload against the need for continuity during any changeover.