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The man who could be Apple’s next CEO
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Mr John Ternus, Apple’s head of hardware engineering, appears to have shot to the front of the pack to be the company’s next chief executive.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Kalley Huang and Tripp Mickle
Follow topic:
- Apple is accelerating succession planning for CEO Tim Cook, 65, who has expressed a desire to reduce his workload, potentially becoming chair.
- John Ternus, Apple's hardware engineering head, is a leading CEO candidate due to his detail-oriented approach and operational knowledge.
- Ternus' potential leadership sparks debate: continue Cook's incremental approach or revert to Jobs' risky innovation amid AI and tariff challenges.
AI generated
SAN FRANCISCO – Around 2018, Apple considered adding a tiny laser to its iPhones. The part would allow consumers to take better photos, more accurately map their surroundings and use new augmented reality features. But it would also cost Apple about US$40 per device, cutting into the company’s profits.
Mr John Ternus, Apple’s head of hardware engineering, suggested adding the component to only the more expensive Pro models of the iPhone, said two people familiar with the discussions who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Those devices, Mr Ternus reasoned, tended to be purchased by Apple’s most loyal customers, who would be excited about new technology. Average consumers, on the other hand, probably would not care.
