When did John Ternus join Apple? Everything to know about the rumored next CEO as Tim Cook is reportedly stepping down

John Ternus is rumored to assume the role of CEO at Apple after reports that Tim Cook may be stepping down emerged.

Ternus is currently the senior vice president of hardware engineering at the iconic gadget company. A Bloomberg report named him as the leading candidate to succeed Cook, who has been helming the company since 2011. As of this writing, however, neither of them has commented on the claims.

John Ternus, 50, joined Apple’s Product Design team over 24 years ago, in July 2001. He has been serving as its vice president of Hardware Engineering since 2013. He is in charge of all hardware engineering, including the teams behind iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, and more, according to the official Apple Leadership page.

"He has been a key leader in the ongoing transition of the Mac to Apple silicon," the page states.

Here's everything we know about John Ternus, Apple's could-be CEO:

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Tim Cook may be stepping down, and John Ternus is in the running. The latter will be close to the age Cook was when he assumed the role over a decade ago. Fortune has reported that Gurman accurately reported on the company for years due to his sources within.

Speculations about the Ternus have since intensified after Jeff Williams, the chief operating officer, stepped down from his role in July. He will reportedly leave the company later this year. With Williams out of the picture, Gurman claimed Ternus is now “the most likely heir apparent.”

John Ternus, a key contributor to the new iPhone Air, is also reportedly responsible for product road maps, features, and strategic decisions that are typically helmed by more senior executives, Fortune has reported.

He boasts a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Pennsylvania. During that time, he was a standout swimmer, having won the 50-meter freestyle and 200-meter individual medley events according to a 1994 report in the Daily Pennsylvanian. He also represented the varsity swim team at several meets.

After his graduation, he worked at Virtual Research Systems as a mechanical engineer. At the time, the company was famous for dabbling in VR headsets and immersive technologies. He spent four years there before he began his work at Apple.

Cook's potential exit from the company would reportedly coincide with Apple’s innovation with AI and wearable advancements. Web Pro News has reported that Cook might continue within the company in another role, such as chairman. This would align with patterns visible across other tech giants, where founders or CEOs assume other roles without fully quitting.

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