John Ternus

From Virtual Research Systems to Cupertino

Ternus studied mechanical engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. Before Apple he worked as a mechanical engineer at Virtual Research Systems. In 2001 he joined Apple's Product Design team.23

He became a vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2013. In 2021 he moved onto the executive team as senior vice president of Hardware Engineering.3

The hardware list

Apple's own account of his work is long. It says he led the hardware team for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro and was a key leader in the Mac's move to Apple silicon. He oversaw the first AirPods and every generation of iPad up to 2021. Apple also says he helped introduce the iPad and AirPods product lines.23

In 2024 he announced AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation in an open ear design. The same event brought hearing test and hearing aid features to AirPods Pro.8

Making things last, and the repair argument

Apple says Ternus led much of its focus on reliability and durability. It credits his team with a recycled aluminium compound used across several product lines and with 3D-printed titanium in Apple Watch Ultra.2

On repair he took a measured line. In a 2024 Apple report he said, "Repairability is an essential component of longevity, yet optimizing for repairability alone may not yield the best outcome". In April 2024 Apple said Self Service Repair supported 40 products in 33 countries and regions.79

Parts pairing stayed in place. 9to5Mac reported that Ternus said it "is not evil". Apple says confirming that a repair part is genuine is critical to the privacy, security and safety of iPhone.710

The handover from Tim Cook

On 20 April 2026 Apple announced that Tim Cook would become executive chairman and Ternus would become CEO. Apple said the board approved the transition unanimously after a long-term succession planning process.1

Ternus said, "I am humbled to step into this role". He added, "I promise to lead with the values and vision that have come to define this special place". Two years earlier he had told Penn graduates to assume they were as smart as anyone in the room but never to assume they knew as much.15

Cases against Apple that he inherits

In March 2024 the US Department of Justice and 16 state and district attorneys general alleged that Apple illegally maintained a smartphone monopoly. Apple called the suit wrong on the facts and the law and said it would defend itself vigorously. On 30 June 2025 the court denied Apple's motion to dismiss, which did not decide the merits.111213

In April 2025 the European Commission found that Apple breached the Digital Markets Act anti-steering obligation and fined it €500 million. Apple said it had appealed because the decision went far beyond what the law requires.1415

A third matter dates from 2023. Apple settled a Justice Department case over recruitment for permanent residency applications, paying $18.25 million in back pay and $6.75 million in civil penalties. Apple disputes the findings, and the agreement is not an admission of liability. These are matters for the company. None names Ternus.11141617

Ternus, year by year

1. 2001

   Joined Apple's Product Design team3

2. 2013

   Became a vice president of Hardware Engineering3

3. 2019

   Presented the Mac Pro at WWDC, covering its performance, expansion and configurability4

4. 2021

   Joined the Apple executive team as senior vice president of Hardware Engineering3

5. 2024

   Told Penn graduates to assume they are as smart as anyone in the room but never assume they know as much56

6. Apr 2024

   Apple expanded Self Service Repair to 40 products in 33 countries and regions and added used genuine parts7

7. Sep 2024

   Announced AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation, and hearing test and hearing aid features for AirPods Pro8

8. Apr 2026

   Apple announced that Tim Cook would become executive chairman and Ternus would become CEO1

9. Sep 2026

   Became CEO and joined Apple's board of directors1

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