Apple’s John Ternus era begins: ‘It is great to be here’

John Ternus took the stage at Apple’s product event on Wednesday as the company’s new chief executive, marking the first time in more than a decade that someone other than Tim Cook has led an Apple launch. Ternus received a standing ovation as he opened the event. He told the audience it was great to be there and said he believed they would like what they were going to see.

The appearance was Ternus’s debut at a product launch since he succeeded Cook as CEO. His remarks gave an early look at how he intends to present himself in a role that has long been associated with his predecessor. Ternus is now responsible for steering one of the most closely watched companies in the world.

Ternus is a veteran product executive who has worked at Apple for more than two decades. His time at the company covered both the Steve Jobs and Cook eras. His promotion to CEO comes during a wider change in leadership at Apple, following a steady departure of longtime executives. Cook will remain with the company as executive chairman of Apple’s board.

As he takes over, Ternus inherits a company confronting some of its most significant challenges in years. Apple is working to show it can compete in artificial intelligence. The company is also dealing with RAM shortages and a more complicated geopolitical environment.

Wednesday’s event was Apple’s latest product launch and drew attention to several devices. Among the products highlighted were the iPhone Duo, which Apple describes as its first foldable, and the iPhone 18 Pro, which has a dynamic aperture main camera. Coverage of the event included a live blog from the ground and first hands-on impressions of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.

The leadership transition places Ternus at the center of Apple’s public-facing product announcements going forward. His first event as CEO offered an introduction to how he will handle that role. The company’s next steps in artificial intelligence and its management of supply and geopolitical pressures will shape his tenure.

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