In 2011, Tim Cook took over from Steve Jobs as Apple’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Over the past 14 years, public opinion about Cook has been divided. Some critics contend that during his tenure, Apple has fallen short in innovation, relying predominantly on the legacy left by Jobs. Conversely, others assert that, from an investor’s standpoint, Cook stands as the most profitable CEO in Apple’s history.

This perception stems from the fact that, during Cook’s 14-year leadership, Apple’s market value has surged 13-fold, while its revenue and profits have seen an approximate 8-fold increase.

Perhaps precisely due to the contrasting yet remarkable leadership styles of the two CEOs before and after—Jobs, with his unwavering focus on product innovation, and Cook, with his emphasis on profitability—identifying Apple’s next CEO has become an increasingly daunting task.

It is virtually impossible to find someone who can match Jobs’ level of innovation or Cook’s ability to drive profitability.

There have been numerous rumors in the past regarding Cook’s search for a successor. However, each time, the individuals rumored to be the next CEO have ultimately been proven incorrect, with some even departing from Apple. Additionally, Cook is no longer in the prime of his youth; at 64, he is indeed approaching retirement age.

Recently, rumors have resurfaced, suggesting that Apple has finally found its next CEO.

He is John Ternus, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, and the media has positioned him as the leading candidate to succeed Cook.

The media has also observed a significant uptick in this executive’s public visibility. For instance, he oversaw the launch of the iPhone Air, took center stage in multiple interviews, and personally engaged with customers at the unveiling of the iPhone 17 series—a role previously fulfilled by Cook.

Moreover, at 50 years old, he is at an ideal age to assume such a pivotal role. When Cook ascended to the CEO position, he was also 50.

Furthermore, Ternus possesses a technical background, and Apple currently requires a CEO with a deep understanding of technology. Given that Cook lacks a technical inclination, although Apple has achieved substantial profits over the past decade, its foundation has become somewhat shaky. The company now necessitates innovation in its products, positioning Ternus as one of the most suitable candidates.

However, it remains uncertain whether he will indeed become Apple’s CEO, as the decision has not yet been finalized. Nonetheless, the identity of Apple’s next CEO has garnered widespread attention. After all, Apple is a colossal corporation with significant influence and an expansive ecosystem, and its every move impacts millions of jobs and livelihoods.