Change seems to be quietly humming through the halls of Apple Park. John Ternus, the company’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, is getting a lot more attention lately — and not just for unveiling shiny new iPhones. As Tim Cook approaches 65, insiders say Apple is slowly positioning Ternus as the next big leader, someone who could carry the torch when Cook eventually steps aside.

Ternus isn’t your typical executive. Calm, focused, and deeply technical, he’s spent years behind the curtain — building the teams responsible for the M-series and A-series chips that define Apple’s devices today. But lately, he’s been moving into the spotlight, appearing at product launches and giving interviews — the kind of visibility that usually means something bigger is brewing.

The timing makes sense. Apple’s long-time COO Jeff Williams, once seen as Cook’s heir, is on his way out. Other senior executives are approaching retirement. Even the company’s AI division is in flux, with John Giannandrea’s future uncertain and talk of new hires from Meta. For a firm that prides itself on control and continuity, the next few years will test how well Apple handles generational change.

Insiders say Ternus is trusted by Cook and viewed as someone who balances engineering skill with a level-headed personality. He’s seen as a “builder,” not a showman — a quality Apple might find comforting in a world of unpredictable AI hype and crumbling product categories. His rise also reflects a shift: after years of operational focus under Cook, Apple may once again want a technologist at the helm.

Meanwhile, Apple is reshaping its product map. The company has shelved its lighter “Vision Air” headset to concentrate on smart glasses, betting on a more wearable and social device for 2027. Engineers are already reworking strap systems and display modules to prepare for a full consumer push.

Leadership transitions at Apple rarely happen overnight, but something is definitely changing. The next time Cook introduces a major product, don’t be surprised if John Ternus is standing right beside him — not as a supporting act, but as the company’s future.

Source: Bloomberg