Meet John Ternus, Tim Cook's Replacement as Apple's New CEO

In a surprise to the business world and millions of Apple product users, Apple announced that Tim Cook will no longer be the company's CEO effective September 1, 2026. Having served in the position since August 2011, come September, he'll be transitioning into becoming the executive chairman of Apple's board of directors, assisting with "certain aspects of the company, including engaging with policymakers around the world." And with Cook taking on a new role, that means a new CEO is needed. Meet John Ternus.

Who is John Ternus?

Ternus is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in 1997. He first joined Apple in 2001, becoming a member of the product design team. In 2013, he was promoted to VP of hardware engineering, helping to oversee the development of products like the iPad and AirPods. Then in 2020, Ternus oversaw the hardware development for the iPhone, and in 2022, moved to overseeing Apple Watch hardware.

Having been with Apple for roughly 25 years, with a deep knowledge of the hardware of several products, it's safe to say he is incredibly qualified to be the company's new CEO. In Apple's press release, Ternus stated:

"I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple's mission forward. Having spent almost my entire career at Apple, I have been lucky to have worked under Steve Jobs and to have had Tim Cook as my mentor. It has been a privilege to help shape the products and experiences that have changed so much of how we interact with the world and with one another.

"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. I am humbled to step into this role, and I promise to lead with the values and vision that have come to define this special place for half a century."

So Apple users and loyalists, are you ready for a new era of Apple?

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This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 2:59 PM.