Apple is heading toward its most significant leadership shift in more than a decade, with John Ternus now widely viewed as the top internal contender to succeed CEO Tim Cook. A series of reports from the Financial Times, The Information and new analyses published on November 17 indicate that Apple’s board has accelerated succession planning, with a transition possible as early as 2026.
Tim Cook Could Step Down in Early 2026
Sources say Apple’s leadership has been quietly preparing for Cook’s exit after 14 years at the helm, during which Apple’s market value soared to nearly $4 trillion. Cook, who turned 65 this month, is expected to remain a powerful figure—possibly as executive chairman—while stepping away from daily operations.
Importantly, insiders stress the move is not performance-driven. Apple posted strong earnings this quarter, its stock trades near record highs, and the company is anticipating a robust holiday season.
Apple is unlikely to announce a new CEO before its late-January earnings call, with analysts predicting a clearer timeline sometime in early or mid-2026. This window would give the successor time to lead WWDC 2026 and the next iPhone launch.
Why John Ternus Is the Frontrunner
Across multiple reports, John Ternus—Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering—has emerged as the standout successor. Internally respected and known for his engineering-first leadership style, Ternus has spent more than two decades at Apple, shaping many of the company’s most successful products.
Key points about John Ternus:
- Joined Apple in 2001, rising through the product design and hardware engineering ranks.
- Became SVP of Hardware Engineering in 2021, overseeing iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods and more.
- Played a central role in the Apple silicon transition, one of the company’s most praised innovations in recent years.
- Seen as a leader who understands Apple’s tight hardware–software integration—critical as the company ramps up on-device AI and next-gen silicon.
Reports say Apple prefers a hardware-focused CEO as it expands into new product categories and steps up competition in AI-driven devices.
A Generational Shift at Apple
With long-time COO Jeff Williams stepping back this year, Apple’s leadership pipeline has shifted toward a younger generation. Ternus, around 50, fits the board’s preference for a leader who could offer stability and continuity for the next decade.
Several analyst notes today also point to a wider leadership refresh likely to follow a Ternus appointment, especially in hardware, software and services.
Apple’s Strong Position Heading Into Transition
While planning for Cook’s exit moves forward, Apple continues to show strong performance globally. The company recorded its highest-ever quarterly shipments in India during Q3 2025, reaching 5 million units and securing fourth place in the market for the first time.
Apple’s stock remains near all-time highs, up around 12% this year—although still behind AI-heavy rivals like Microsoft, Nvidia, and Alphabet.