Executive Shake-Up: Who Will Be Apple’s Next CEO?

Despite its vast scale as a multi-trillion dollar company, Apple has managed to maintain remarkable stability within its executive leadership over the past decade. 

While a few high-profile figures have departed – such as former retail chief Angela Ahrendts in 2019 and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Jeff Williams earlier in 2025 – CEO Tim Cook has fostered a culture that encourages retention.

Bloomberg highlighted this in September, noting that Luca Maestri, Apple’s former Chief Finance Officer (CFO), left his role at the start of 2025 but remains at the company to continue non-finance responsibilities.

But this stability is not set to last forever, with changes predicted to happen right at the top of the C-suite.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, in his latest ‘Power On’ report, revealed that the tech giant is set to witness a series of departures from its executive team, including Tim.

The future Apple CEO

As Apple approaches a pivotal generational shift in leadership, Mark identified John Ternus, Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, as the leading internal candidate to succeed Tim Cook as CEO.

It’s assumed Tim will “probably become Apple’s Executive Chairman”.

He said that John, who has led Apple’s hardware division since 2021, has “emerged as a key decision-maker on product road maps, features and strategies, extending his influence beyond the traditional scope of a hardware engineering chief”.

According to Mark, John’s contributions to innovation – including the transition to Apple Silicon and the engineering of flagship devices like the iPhone and Mac – highlight his critical role in shaping Apple’s product strategy. 

He adds that the exec’s deep understanding of the company’s DNA makes him a natural fit to carry forward Apple’s culture of design-driven innovation – and matches the company’s pattern of hiring from within.

Previously, the Bloomberg journalist had said that Jeff was a top contender for the CEO position, but after his recently announced departure, he is no longer the leading candidate.

Recent C-suite change

Executive moves this year started in July when Apple announced that Jeff would be stepping down as COO.

Sabih Khan, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Operations, is transitioning into the role as part of a long-planned succession.

According to Apple, Jeff continues to report to the CEO and oversee the company’s design team and Apple Watch alongside the company’s ‘Health initiatives’ as Apple’s Senior Vice President Design, Watch and Health.

These teams will report directly to the CEO after the former COO retires later in the year.

Discussing the departure in a statement in July, Tim said: “I am and will always be beyond grateful for his numerous contributions to Apple over the years and his loyal friendship.

“Jeff’s true legacy can be seen in the amazing team he’s created and, while he’ll be greatly missed, he leaves the work of the future in incredible hands.”

Speculation for the next shake-up

According to Mark, the future of Apple’s Senior Vice President of Machine Learning and AI Strategy, John Giannandrea, remains uncertain. 

His team has faced internal challenges, including a rocky rollout of Apple Intelligence and a failed Siri overhaul, resulting in a partial loss of responsibilities. 

While Giannandrea has weathered the turbulence for now, Mark reports that Apple executives are actively exploring external candidates to lead its AI division.

He reports that former contender, Mike Rockwell – credited with developing the Vision Pro and now tasked with fixing Siri – has seen his chances of replacing Giannandrea diminish.

Instead, Apple has reportedly considered going against its ‘hiring internally strategy’ and looking at senior AI leaders from rival firms.

This includes Meta Platforms Inc., which recently restructured its AI unit and brought in new leadership like Alexandr Wang. 

With no clear internal successor and mounting pressure to strengthen its AI strategy, Mark suggests a further leadership shake-up or acquisition could be on the horizon.