Overview
- Reports cite unnamed sources saying Apple’s board has intensified preparations for a leadership handover, but no final decision has been made.
- Hardware engineering chief John Ternus is described as the leading internal candidate, though external options are still being considered.
- Coverage characterizes the Financial Times report as a potential trial balloon to gauge investor reaction, and initial market moves were muted.
- Timing discussions point to no naming of a successor before late January earnings, with early 2026 flagged as a window to settle a new CEO before WWDC.
- Sources emphasize the planning is not tied to performance, with Apple forecasting record holiday sales and shares trading near all-time highs; Apple has not commented.