Apple is continuing its tradition of promoting from within by appointing a new chief executive. On Monday, the iPhone manufacturer revealed that CEO Tim Cook will step down from his role in September, with senior vice president of hardware engineering John Ternus named as his replacement. Cook will transition to the role of executive chairman.

In a press release announcing Ternus’s appointment, Cook praised him, stating he possesses «the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and with honor.»

Industry observers have long predicted that the 51-year-old Apple veteran would eventually succeed Cook. Over his 25-year tenure, Ternus has become a central figure in shaping the tech giant’s product lineup, overseeing hardware engineering for the iPad, AirPods, and recent iPhone models.

Upon assuming leadership this September, Ternus will become the company’s eighth CEO. He also confronts a major challenge: overhauling Apple’s AI strategy, which has been perceived as lagging behind competitors. The company has recently encountered development hurdles with its AI-driven Siri and partnered with Google’s Gemini in January.

Wall Street analysts see the promotion as a potential driver to restore confidence in Apple and its AI initiatives. Morgan Stanley analysts noted that «promoting him to CEO clearly shows Apple’s emphasis on product at the center of the flywheel will remain.»

The Path to CEO

Ternus earned a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1997. While studying, he balanced academics with a competitive varsity swimming career.

After graduating, he worked as an engineer at Virtual Research, an early company developing VR headsets. He joined Apple in 2001 as an engineer on the design team.

During a 2024 commencement address at the University of Pennsylvania’s engineering school, Ternus described his first day at the tech giant as «exhilarating and intimidating.»

«I wasn’t sure I belonged there,» he recalled. «The people I met were so smart and so confident, and they knew so much more than me, but I’ll always be grateful that I wasn’t afraid to ask for help when I needed it.»

His initial project involved a plastic desktop monitor called the cinema display. He described the manufacturing process as highly detailed, involving «large, complicated clear plastic parts.» Apple later shifted to aluminum materials.

«Every experience like this sharpened my ability to approach problems from different angles,» he told students in 2024. «They give me the confidence and willingness to try new things and the resolve to keep going until I find a solution.»

Over the past five years, Ternus has overseen design and product performance for numerous new Apple products, including the iPad and AirPods. He has also played a significant role in Apple’s Silicon chip program as it transitions away from Intel.

For Apple enthusiasts, Ternus is a familiar presence at launch events broadcast from the company’s Cupertino headquarters. Last year, he unveiled the company’s new iPhone Air.

Ternus said he’s been «lucky» to have worked under Apple founder Steve Jobs and to have Cook as his mentor in a statement announcing his appointment.

«I am filled with optimism about what we can achieve in the years to come, and I am so happy to know that the most talented people on earth are here at Apple, determined to be part of something bigger than any one of us,» he said.