Succession chatter is heating up at Apple $AAPL ( ▲ 0.13% ) , and the consensus pick is becoming clearer. According to people familiar with internal discussions, Apple’s longtime hardware chief John Ternus is now viewed as the front-runner to eventually step into Tim Cook’s role as CEO.
The reporting suggests Cook isn’t heading for the exit tomorrow, but that Apple is accelerating succession planning as the 63-year-old looks to gradually reduce his workload.
The Inside Track at Cupertino
The New York Times is the latest outlet to report that Ternus sits at the top of Apple’s internal shortlist. Sources told the paper that Cook has grown fatigued by the day-to-day demands of running the world’s most valuable public company and wants to begin easing back.
At 50 years old, Ternus checks several boxes Apple historically values: deep institutional knowledge, operational credibility, and a low-profile leadership style aligned with Apple’s culture.
Not Just One Outlet Saying It
The Times isn’t alone. Financial Times and Bloomberg have both previously identified Ternus as the leading internal candidate to succeed Cook, reinforcing the idea that this isn’t idle speculation.
Within Apple, Ternus has overseen the development of core hardware products, putting him at the center of the company’s most important revenue drivers.
Even the Betting Markets Agree
Prediction markets are also leaning heavily in Ternus’ direction. His odds of becoming Apple’s next CEO currently sit above 60% on both Polymarket and Kalshi, reflecting growing confidence that Apple’s succession path is narrowing.
While Cook remains firmly in charge for now, the signals are lining up. If Apple does pass the torch internally, all signs point to Ternus being next in line.