AdvertisementTechApple to switch focus as Tim Cook quits as bossAAPApr 21, 2026, updated Apr 21, 2026 ShareTim Cook will become Apple's executive chairman, after stepping down as CEO. Photo: GettyApple has ‌named insider John Ternus as its next chief executive, tasking the ‌long-time hardware chief to steer the company after Tim Cook, ‌as the iPhone maker gears up for an industry change spurred by artificial intelligence.Ternus, who joined Apple in 2001, has recently overseen the company’s hardware engineering efforts and ‌has played ‌a ⁠key role in reigniting sales of products ​such as Apple’s Mac computers, which have gained market share in recent years.Cook, who has led Apple since 2011, will become the company’s executive chairman, the tech giant said on Monday (US time).At 50, Ternus is the same age as Cook when he took over CEO duties from Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. He most recently showed the company’s iPhone Air last autumn, the biggest revamp of the iPhone since ‌2017 and a ‌key proving ⁠ground for several new chips.Ternus, who helped bring about now-ubiquitous products such as ​iPads and AirPods, will have to help Apple navigate a technology landscape upended by AI, after losing its crown as the world’s most valuable company to Nvidia.Ternus will also have to fend off Nvidia, which has announced its own personal computer and is working on chips that can power laptops. Other rivals such as ⁠Meta Platforms, whose augmented-reality glasses have become a surprise hit ‌with just a ​fraction of the capabilities – and price tag – of Apple’s Vision Pro headset are also a challenge.“The promotion of Mr Ternus indicates ​the company will focus ‌on new hardware devices such as folding phones, glasses, VR devices and AI pins,” said Gil ​Luria, managing director of DA Davidson & Co.Cook, who ​presented ​a custom golden plaque to US President Donald ​Trump, would also continue to engage with policymakers, Apple ‌said.In naming Ternus chief executive, Apple is shifting from a supply-chain guru who helped turn it into a global brand that churns out hundreds of millions of units a year, to a leader who has long focused on design and products.Ben Bajarin, CEO of technology consulting firm Creative Strategies, said Ternus was well-liked within ​Apple “and will bring fresh energy.”Separately, Apple said that Johny Srouji, who has overseen Apple’s custom chip and ​sensor designs, has been named ⁠chief hardware officer.Want to see more stories from The New Daily in your Google search results?Click here to set The New Daily as a preferred source.Tick the box next to "The New Daily". That's it.Topics: Apple, Technology Share Follow The New DailyAdvertisementMore Tech >TechApple to switch focus as Tim Cook quits as bossTechRobot sprints to world record in Beijing raceTechMeta unveils new AI model from costly teamBooksAuthor Kathy Lette on the AI book scandalTechArtemis and the new China-US space raceMusicAI artist tops global music charts with multiple hitsTechMelania Trump steps out with humanoid robotMoviesLate star Val Kilmer to appear via AI in filmTechIran war marks new era of machine-speed combat