Overview
- Reports say the board has intensified preparations for a leadership transition, with internal and external candidates under review.
- Hardware chief John Ternus, 50, is widely described as the leading internal option after two decades overseeing iPhone, iPad, Mac and the Apple silicon shift.
- Sources suggest any naming could come early next year to allow a handoff before WWDC in June and the iPhone launch in September.
- Several commentators characterize the Financial Times report as a deliberate trial balloon to gauge investor reaction; Apple has not commented.
- Some Apple watchers, including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, say they do not see an imminent change, though Tim Cook has acknowledged detailed succession plans and recently turned 65.