Apple is preparing for a significant leadership transition, with hardware engineering chief John Ternus emerging as the leading candidate to succeed CEO Tim Cook, who has been at the helm since 2011.

Several senior executives, including AI chief John Giannandrea, chip division head Johny Srouji, and environmental head Lisa Jackson, are considering retirement or facing uncertain futures, prompting a strategic reshuffle.

His visibility has increased through public appearances and involvement in key product launches, positioning him as a natural successor with a long-term potential, possibly over a decade.

Ternus's experience spans leading core product lines and shaping hardware and design strategy, which aligns with Apple's focus on innovation and stability in leadership.

Apple's services division, led by Eddie Cue, is also a top contender for future leadership due to his strategic vision and role in growing revenue from digital services.

Other key candidates include Greg Joswiak, SVP of Worldwide Marketing, and Deirdre O’Brien, SVP of Retail and People, each bringing strengths in marketing and retail strategy.

Apple's Board of Directors is actively involved in selecting the successor, ensuring the leadership transition aligns with the company's strategic goals and culture.

Tim Cook, who will turn 65 next month, has not publicly announced retirement plans but is expected to stay on for at least five more years, possibly remaining as chairman after stepping down as CEO.

Recent product initiatives include updates to the Vision Pro headset and iPad Pro, along with ongoing innovation in hardware, while Apple is also exploring new AI developments, including a ChatGPT-style chatbot.

This leadership transition at Apple reflects broader industry trends emphasizing leadership development, strategic planning, and innovation in AI, augmented reality, and health tech.

The company is also shifting its hardware focus, as seen with the decision to shelve the 'Vision Air' headset in favor of developing glasses, indicating a strategic pivot in its product lineup.

Longtime COO Jeff Williams plans to leave, leading Apple to redistribute operational responsibilities among new leaders, ensuring a smooth succession process.

Ternus, aged 50, has gained prominence through leading major product launches like the iPhone Air and iPhone 17, and has expanded his responsibilities beyond hardware engineering to include product strategy, making him a trusted and charismatic figure within Apple.