TL;DR
The New York Times published a profile highlighting John Ternus as a leading internal candidate to succeed Tim Cook at Apple, while noting other possible successors. The report details Ternus’s product-focused background and cites company discussions indicating accelerated succession planning.
What happened
The New York Times ran a detailed profile that frames John Ternus, Apple’s hardware engineering chief, as a front-runner to replace Tim Cook should the longtime CEO step aside. Written by Kalley Huang and Tripp Mickle, the piece credits Ternus with product decisions such as limiting LiDAR to iPhone Pro models and describes a managerial style centered on careful product updates and cost awareness. The profile places his role in context by noting his tenure at Apple since 2001 and recent leadership on projects including the iPhone Air and the company’s transition from Intel to its own Mac chips in 2020. The report also says Apple accelerated succession planning last year and that Cook has told senior leaders he is tired and would like to reduce his workload; several people told the paper that Cook would likely become board chairman if he steps down. The NYT item also lists other internal executives often discussed as potential successors.
Why it matters
- A change at Apple’s top job would shape the company’s balance between product design priorities and public policy responsibilities.
- John Ternus’s product-centered background suggests continuity in hardware and engineering decisions, which could affect future device road maps.
- Identification of multiple internal candidates signals that Apple is preparing several leadership options rather than a single predetermined successor.
- Tim Cook’s reported desire to reduce his workload and the possibility he would shift to board chair make a leadership transition more plausible in the near to medium term.
Key facts
- The New York Times published the profile; the story was written by Kalley Huang and Tripp Mickle.
- John Ternus has worked at Apple since 2001 and is known for a low-profile, product-focused management style.
- The NYT credits Ternus with the decision to limit LiDAR sensors to iPhone Pro models.
- Ternus is described as a leader on the iPhone Air and a key figure in Apple’s 2020 transition from Intel to Apple-designed Mac chips.
- The profile reports Ternus has had involvement in Apple’s foldable phone experimentation, according to someone close to the company.
- According to the report, Apple accelerated succession planning last year.
- The article cites sources saying Tim Cook has told senior leaders he is tired and wants to reduce his workload.
- Three people close to Apple told the NYT that if Cook steps down he would likely become chairman of the board.
- Other internal executives named as possible successors include Craig Federighi, Eddy Cue, Greg Joswiak and Deirdre O’Brien.
What to watch next
- Whether Tim Cook decides to step down and the timing of any departure — not confirmed in the source.
- If Apple names John Ternus as CEO versus selecting another internal candidate such as Federighi, Cue, Joswiak or O’Brien — not confirmed in the source.
- Any official statement from Apple or the board about succession plans or leadership changes — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO): The highest-ranking executive in a company, responsible for overall operations, strategy and decision-making.
- Board chairman: The leader of a company's board of directors, responsible for overseeing governance and working with executive leadership.
- LiDAR: A sensing technology that uses laser light to measure distances and create depth maps, often used in cameras and mapping.
- Apple silicon: Apple-designed processors used in Macs and other devices, replacing third-party CPU suppliers like Intel in Apple’s product line.
Reader FAQ
Is John Ternus officially named Apple’s next CEO?
Not confirmed in the source.
What evidence does the NYT profile cite for Ternus’s candidacy?
The profile highlights his long tenure at Apple, product decisions such as LiDAR placement, leadership on iPhone Air and the Mac chip transition, and describes him as a front-runner according to some insiders.
Will Tim Cook become the board chairman if he steps down?
The NYT reports that three people close to Apple said Cook would likely become chairman if he steps down.
Who else is mentioned as a possible successor?
The story lists Craig Federighi, Eddy Cue, Greg Joswiak and Deirdre O’Brien as other internal candidates under consideration.
Apple confirms Chase takeover for Apple Card and reveals new details Chance Miller Jan 7 2026 AAPL COMPANY TIM COOK JOHN TERNUS The New York Times profiles Apple’s expected next…
Sources
- The New York Times profiles Apple’s expected next CEO
- John Ternus Again Profiled as Apple's Likely Next CEO
- Apple's John Ternus leads race to succeed Tim Cook as …
- The New York Times profiles John Ternus, 'the man who …
Related posts
- Most iPhone owners still on iOS 18 as Statcounter shows slow iOS 26 uptake
- Apple confirms Chase takeover of Apple Card; NBA on Vision Pro, Fitness+ in 2026
- Waymo to Deploy Zeekr-Built Ojai Autonomous Vans in U.S. Cities