Apple’s incoming CEO is an “engineering genius” who is “just what it needs” following the Tim Cook era, partners have told IT Channel Oxygen.
The fruity vendor last night announced that Apple veteran John Ternus will become its next CEO on 1 September 2026.
Cook, who has helped boost Apple’s market cap from £350bn to $4tn during his 15-year tenure, will stay on as Executive Chairman.
Previously VP of Hardware Engineering and with Apple since 2001, Ternus has “the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and with honour”, Cook said.
“He is without question the right person to lead Apple into the future,” Cook added.
“He’s the obvious and best candidate”
Roger Whittle, who is a non-executive Director at Nottingham-based Apple partner Jigsaw24, concurred, characterising it as a “textbook transition plan”.
“John is an incredible engineer, and that’s a big difference from Tim Cook, who was fundamentally an operational genius. Apple have got the operations now – they’re not going to lose that. Having an engineering genius is just what they need now.
“People were in awe of Tim Cook. He looked at you like a laser, with steel in his eyes. I think John is a bit more charismatic.
“He’s very pro AI.”
“He’s the obvious candidate. He’s the best candidate.”
Whittle hailed the Apple Watch, AirPods, Apple Silicon and Vision Pro as among Cook’s triumphs, although put question marks or crosses over the progress he made when it comes to health, AI/software, home and car.
Mark McCormack, MD of London-based Apple partner Academia, characterised Cook’s departure from the hotseat as a “meaningful transition”.
“The challenge for the incoming CEO will be clear – maintain the consistency and performance Tim delivered, while reigniting a sense of category-defining innovation as the market moves rapidly toward AI, services, and deeper ecosystem integration,” he said.
In his canned comments, Ternus claimed Cook’s leadership has transformed Apple into the world’s best company”.
Cook, who in his new role will assist with certain aspects of the company, including engaging with policymakers around the world, called helming Apple “the greatest privilege of my life”.
McCormack said: “For partners like us, Tim’s tenure has been defined by stability, clarity, and growth in the channel. He leaves big shoes to fill.”
