Archive · 7 Sep 2026
John Ternus Takes Apple Helm Amid Racing Passion, AI Challenges
John Ternus is becoming the new leader of Apple after Tim Cook.
He has worked at Apple for 25 years and helped develop several important products.
These include the iPad, AirPods, iPhone, Mac and Apple Watch.
Ternus also enjoys racing cars in his spare time.
He owns a very rare Porsche 935 that can only be used on a racetrack.
He often drives at Laguna Seca in California.
As CEO, he will need to guide Apple through challenges involving artificial intelligence, competition and slower growth.
Apple’s September 9 iPhone event will be one of his first major tests.
The company also faces a memory chip shortage that could affect its profits.
John Ternus is set to succeed Tim Cook as Apple CEO on September 1.
A 25-year Apple veteran, Ternus has worked on the iPad, AirPods, iPhone, Mac and Apple Watch.
Ternus owns a track-only 2019 Porsche 935, one of just 77 produced worldwide.
His early leadership test will be Apple’s September 9 iPhone event.
He inherits a highly profitable company facing AI competition, slowing growth and a memory chip shortage.
- Who
- John Ternus, Apple’s incoming CEO, is succeeding Tim Cook.
- What
- Ternus is taking over Apple while preparing to lead the company through product, AI and business challenges.
- When
- He is scheduled to become CEO on September 1, with an iPhone event planned for September 9.
- Where
- The leadership transition concerns Apple, while Ternus’s racing activities are associated with Laguna Seca Raceway in California.
- Why
- He inherits a highly profitable company that faces concerns about its AI strategy, slowing growth, competition and a memory chip shortage.
Reasons for Confidence
Challenges Ahead
Leadership experience
Reasons for Confidence
Ternus has spent 25 years at Apple and has led or contributed to hardware development for major product lines, including the iPhone, Mac and Apple Watch.
Challenges Ahead
His first major product launch as CEO will be closely watched, with high expectations after Apple reached a $5 trillion market value.
Product and engineering focus
Reasons for Confidence
His product-focused background and experience with the iPad, AirPods and other devices could support Apple’s emphasis on innovation.
Challenges Ahead
Apple faces growing concerns about its AI strategy and increasing competition from companies such as OpenAI.
Business outlook
Reasons for Confidence
Ternus takes over a company described as highly profitable, with a world-class supply chain.
Challenges Ahead
Slowing growth and a memory chip shortage could put pressure on Apple’s margins.
- Incoming CEO
- John Ternus
- Outgoing CEO
- Tim Cook
- Succession date
- September 1
- Apple experience
- 25 years
- Early leadership test
- September 9 iPhone event
- Racing car
- 2019 Porsche 935
- Porsche 935 production
- 77 examples worldwide
- Reported car value
- Approximately $1.5 million