Apple is accelerating preparations for a leadership change, as CEO Tim Cook may step down as early as next year, according to the Financial Times. The company’s board and senior management are focusing on a smooth succession after Cook’s 14-year tenure leading the $4 trillion technology giant.
Inside Apple, John Ternus, Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, is seen as the frontrunner to succeed Tim Cook. Although no final decision has been made, the succession process has been ongoing for several years. Experts note that this planning is independent of Apple’s current performance, which remains strong heading into the year-end sales season.
Cook, who turned 65 this month, became CEO in 2011 following the death of co-founder Steve Jobs. Under his leadership, Apple’s market value increased from roughly $350 billion to $4 trillion. The company’s stock is trading near record highs after posting strong quarterly results.
Timing of the Announcement
According to the report, Apple is unlikely to reveal a new CEO before its late-January earnings report covering the crucial holiday quarter. An early-year announcement would give the incoming leadership team time to prepare before major events, such as the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June and the iPhone launch in September.
John Ternus’s Role
Ternus is a deeply technical leader who has played a central role in Apple Silicon and the resurgence of Mac hardware. Analysts say promoting him would signal Apple’s focus on product innovation and essential devices, reflecting the company’s core strengths under Tim Cook.
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Ternus took responsibility for iPhone hardware engineering in 2020 and became Senior Vice President in January 2021. His leadership has been credited with Apple’s strong hardware performance. Cook may also transition into an executive chairman role, continuing to influence Apple while ensuring a smooth leadership handover.
