John Ternus, set to become Apple’s CEO on 1 September, is a 50-year-old mechanical engineer credited with reversing declines in product quality, advocating for iPadOS, overseeing the Apple Silicon transition, and controlling products that generate 80% of Apple’s revenue. He emphasizes problem-solving over blame but has yet to launch a new product category, facing challenges in AI where Apple lags behind peers. His “marathon, not a sprint” approach suggests Apple will initially follow before leading.
Background and Career
Graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 1997 in mechanical engineering, Ternus was a competitive swimmer. He initially worked on VR headsets at Virtual Research Systems before joining Apple’s product design team at 26. His career progression was steady, leading the development of the iPad and taking on roles in hardware engineering. By the time succession was announced, Ternus was already in charge of major products.
Leadership Style and Impact
Described as “charismatic and well-liked,” Ternus prefers working alongside teams in open offices. He reversed a product quality decline by emphasizing leadership improvements over individual blame, contrasting with previous engineering cultures.
Product Contributions
Ternus is known for advocating iPadOS, recognizing the need for a platform to match the iPad’s capabilities. He influenced the development of the Apple Pencil and its charging system. The iPhone Air, the thinnest phone by Apple, showcases his focus on innovative design and materials. Under his guidance, AirPods and Mac underwent significant advancements.
Views on AI
In AI, Ternus sees Apple’s approach as a “marathon, not a sprint,” aiming for seamless integration into user experiences. While acknowledging timelines for spatial computing are unclear, he suggests digital and physical convergence is inevitable.
Relationship with Jony Ive
Ternus and Ive had differing approaches, with Ternus focusing more on practical engineering. Under his leadership, Apple’s design is becoming more integrated with engineering, favoring functional improvements over aesthetic changes.
Challenges and Criticisms
Critics highlight Ternus’s focus on refining rather than creating new products. His support of Apple’s parts pairing policy remains contentious. The AI lag is a pressing issue, with Apple’s capabilities trailing competitors, demanding patience and confidence in their privacy-centric approach.
Future Prospects
Mentored by Tim Cook, Ternus expresses commitment to Apple’s values. Cook remains as executive chairman to manage regulatory engagements. As Apple turns 50, Ternus’s engineering background is seen as pivotal for navigating future technological shifts.