Apple has a new CEO.
John Ternus took over as chief executive on Tuesday, ending Tim Cook’s 15-year run at the technology giant.
Cook leaves behind a much larger Apple. When he became CEO, the company was worth about US$350 billion. It is now valued at around US$4.6 trillion, while annual sales have grown from US$108 billion to US$416 billion.
But Ternus is taking over at a very different moment.
AI becomes Ternus’s biggest test
Artificial intelligence is changing the technology industry, and Apple has struggled to match the pace of rivals.
The company has faced delays in delivering some of its promised AI features. It has since introduced new AI capabilities and upgrades to Siri, with a focus on privacy and everyday use.
That puts pressure on Ternus to close the gap without losing the strengths that built Apple’s business.
Ternus spent much of his career working on Apple’s hardware. He joined the company in 2001 and became senior vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2021. He worked on products including the Apple Watch, AirPods and Apple Vision Pro.
His background could help Apple as it develops its next generation of devices, but running the company will require him to look beyond hardware.
Supply chains and tariffs add to the challenge
Ternus also inherits Apple’s complex manufacturing network, particularly its links to Asia.
Cook spent much of his tenure managing Apple’s global supply chain and dealing with trade and tariff pressures. He also built a relationship with US President Donald Trump during those disputes.
Cook will now become Apple’s executive chairman, keeping him involved in the company’s dealings with policymakers.
For Ternus, the first public test is already close.
He is expected to lead Apple’s upcoming iPhone launch at the company’s headquarters in Cupertino, California, putting the new CEO on stage at a crucial moment for the world’s most valuable technology companies.
The question now is whether Ternus can take Apple’s hardware strength and turn it into an advantage in the AI era.
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Last modified: September 2, 2026
