Overview
- John Ternus is set to become CEO on September 1, 2026, and has already taken a direct role with Apple's industrial design group as he prepares to lead the company.
- Citing June 21 reporting from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, multiple outlets say Ternus told staff that Apple will ‘‘keep focusing on design’’ and that he believes design must remain central to the brand.
- Reporting describes plans for a possible 'major design shake-up' to give industrial and software design more say in product decisions, but those organizational changes are still developing rather than finalized.
- Product details tied to Ternus's arrival — including an iPhone 18 cycle this fall or future devices such as a foldable iPhone and camera-equipped AirPods — are reported as speculative and remain at testing stages.
- Observers note this push follows years of reduced design influence after Jony Ive's departure and oversight shifts under Jeff Williams, and Apple faces talent and retention pressures from recruiters and independent ventures.