Bloomberg's profile of Apple's John Ternus reveals his pivotal role in transforming the iPad. Ternus, seen as Apple's likely next CEO, argued early on that the iPad's powerful hardware was underutilized due to its iOS software platform, which was essentially a scaled-up iPhone OS. He internally championed the creation of iPadOS, a distinct operating system designed specifically for the tablet's capabilities.

This shift enabled crucial features like desktop-like multitasking, significantly enhancing the iPad's appeal for productivity. Ternus also drove the development of essential iPad accessories, including the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, along with their magnetic charging and pairing systems. His hardware leadership extended to these software and accessory innovations, fundamentally changing the iPad's user experience.

The report highlights how Ternus' influence, surprising given his hardware background, reshaped the iPad's software trajectory, bringing it closer to matching its hardware potential.