If you’ve been watching the leadership shifts at 1 Infinite Loop lately, things are getting a bit spicy. It’s no secret that Tim Cook isn't going to be around forever. He just turned 65 in November, and while he still looks like he could run a marathon before breakfast, the internal gears are turning. Everyone is asking the same thing: Who is the new CEO for Apple going to be, and when is this actually happening?
The short answer? There isn't a "new" CEO in the seat today, January 17, 2026. Tim Cook is still very much the boss. But for the first time in over a decade, the "successor" conversation has moved from office whispers to front-page headlines.
The Frontrunner: John Ternus Explained Simply
If you had to bet your last AirPod on a name, it would be John Ternus. Currently the Senior VP of Hardware Engineering, Ternus has basically become the "chosen one" in recent months. Why? Because he fits the Apple mold perfectly. He’s 50 years old—the exact same age Tim Cook was when he took over from Steve Jobs in 2011.
Ternus isn't a loud, "move fast and break things" kind of guy. People inside the company describe him as "calm" and "emotionally intelligent." He’s the guy who led the transition to Apple Silicon, which was arguably the most successful move the company has made in ten years. He also spearheaded the iPhone Air project and is rumored to be the main hand behind the upcoming foldable iPhone.
Honestly, the board loves him because he’s a safe pair of hands. He knows the supply chain, he’s an engineer at heart, and he doesn't have a giant ego. He even famously turned down a private office for years, choosing to sit in open seating with his engineering teams. That kind of "in the trenches" vibe goes a long way with the staff.
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What Happened to Jeff Williams?
For a long time, the world thought Jeff Williams—the Chief Operating Officer—was the heir apparent. He was basically Tim Cook 2.0. But the narrative shifted late last year when Williams officially retired from Apple. He’s now popping up on the board of directors for Disney, essentially removing himself from the running.
With Jeff out, the "old guard" is thinning. This leaves the door wide open for the younger generation.
The Other Names You Should Know
It’s not a one-man race, though Ternus has a massive lead. There are three other heavy hitters that Apple’s board is reportedly keeping on the "maybe" list just in case things get weird.
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Craig Federighi (Hair Force One)
Everyone loves Craig. He’s got the charisma that Ternus lacks. When he jumps on stage at WWDC, the energy shifts. He’s the architect of the software universe—iOS, macOS, and now the integration of Google Gemini into Siri. If Apple wants a "visionary" who can sell a dream, Craig is the guy. The downside? He’s 56 and might not want the 24/7 grind of being the CEO of a $3 trillion behemoth for the next 15 years.
Deirdre O’Brien
She’s the Senior VP of Retail and People. Basically, she manages the soul of the company. She’s been at Apple since 1988. If the board decides that the new CEO for Apple needs to be someone who focuses on culture and the retail experience rather than just bits and bolts, Deirdre is the top pick.
Greg "Joz" Joswiak
The marketing legend. Joz is 61, which puts him in a tricky spot. He’s brilliant and knows the brand better than anyone, but he might be seen as a "bridge" CEO rather than a long-term leader.
The "Tim Cook" Exit Plan
Don't expect Tim Cook to just vanish into the sunset. The most likely scenario, according to analysts like Mark Gurman and reports from the Financial Times, is a "soft exit."
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Cook will probably stay on as CEO until at least mid-2026 or even early 2027. After that, he’ll likely move into an Executive Chairman role. This allows him to still mentor the new CEO for Apple while stepping back from the grueling day-to-day operations.
There was a rumor that he might go into politics—maybe even a presidential run—but that seems like a stretch. He’s more likely to spend his time on philanthropy and environmental initiatives, which he’s clearly obsessed with.
Why This Matters for Your Next iPhone
You might think, "Who cares who the CEO is? I just want a phone that doesn't die at 4 PM." But the leader defines the risk tolerance.
Steve Jobs was about the "insanely great" product, even if it failed (looking at you, G4 Cube). Tim Cook was about the "insanely efficient" supply chain. A Ternus era would likely be a middle ground. He’s a hardware guy, so we might see more experimentation with form factors (foldables, wearables, robotics) but with the disciplined execution that Cook made famous.
The big criticism of Ternus right now? Some insiders say he’s too risk-averse. They worry he won't make the "big bets" needed to win the AI wars against Google and Meta.
Actionable Insights for Apple Watchers
If you're an investor or just a fan trying to stay ahead of the curve, here’s how to spot the transition as it happens:
- Watch the Keynotes: If John Ternus starts opening and closing the events instead of just doing a 10-minute segment on the iPad, the deal is done.
- SEC Filings: Keep an eye on "Form 8-K" filings. Apple is required to disclose major executive changes here. If you see Ternus getting a massive bump in restricted stock units (RSUs), that's the "golden handcuffs" to keep him in place for the top job.
- The Robotics Push: Ternus was recently put in charge of Apple's secret robotics division. If Apple releases a home robot or a major automated system under his watch, he’s proven he can launch a "new" category—the final test for any CEO.
Apple isn't a company that likes surprises. They’ve been planning this handoff since 2020. Whether it’s Ternus or a surprise dark horse, the transition will be surgical. You won't wake up to a "New CEO for Apple" headline that hasn't been carefully messaged for three years prior. For now, enjoy the Cook era while it lasts; the 65-year-old is still the most powerful man in tech.