John Ternus, currently the Senior Vice President of hardware engineering at Apple, has assumed control of the company’s design teams. This move positions him as a leading candidate to succeed CEO Tim Cook in the long term. Although there has been no formal announcement from Apple, the change reportedly occurred towards the end of 2025.
According to a report by Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, Cook entrusted Ternus with the management of Apple’s renowned design team, a significant shift within the organization. This development aligns with Ternus’s gradual transition into a more visible leadership role over recent years, as he has often been mentioned as a potential successor to Cook.
The decision to place Ternus at the helm of the design team reflects Apple’s ongoing efforts to innovate and maintain its competitive edge in the tech industry. Ternus has played a pivotal role in the development of key products, including the latest iterations of the iPhone and MacBook, showcasing his capability to lead the design division effectively.
Despite the reported changes, Apple’s internal and external organizational charts have yet to reflect Ternus’s new responsibilities. This discrepancy suggests a period of adjustment within the company as it navigates this leadership transition.
The implications of Ternus’s new role could be significant for Apple’s future direction. As the company continues to face challenges in an increasingly competitive market, the leadership style and vision of its next CEO will be crucial. Analysts and industry insiders will be closely monitoring how Ternus’s influence over the design team might shape Apple’s product strategy moving forward.
As Ternus steps into his expanded role, the tech giant’s commitment to innovation remains paramount. Apple has a long history of setting trends in design and technology, and Ternus’s leadership will be essential to uphold this legacy. The coming months will reveal how this leadership change impacts not only the design team but also the broader vision for Apple as it prepares for its next chapter.
