Speculation centers around John Ternus, Apple's Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, as a potential successor to Tim Cook as CEO. His career path, unlike other tech executives, has been relatively direct, starting with a mechanical engineering degree and early roles in VR. Ternus joined Apple in 2001, steadily rising through the ranks.

Ternus's rise included managing the Mac and iPad teams, and he played a key role in the transition from Intel chips to Apple Silicon. He became SVP of Hardware Engineering in 2021, overseeing all hardware engineering, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and AirPods. This promotion increased his public profile, with more media appearances.

His leadership has been instrumental in product development, including the iPhone 12 and AirPods. He championed the integration of LiDAR in Pro models. Ternus is now a prominent figure, often representing Apple in public. Cook's eventual departure necessitates careful succession planning, making Ternus a key person to watch.