As Apple strives to maintain its competitive edge in AI while dealing with tariffs and uncertainties in the supply chain, the company’s trajectory is set to change with new leadership.

On Monday, Apple revealed that John Ternus will step in as CEO later this year, succeeding Tim Cook.

Cook has turned Apple into a $4 trillion multinational giant, broadened its services sector, and led the company through some of the most profitable times in tech history. Ternus offers a different expertise. A veteran in hardware, he has dedicated his career to developing Apple’s devices rather than overseeing the entire business.

Ternus, who joined Apple in 2001, climbed the ladder within hardware engineering. Throughout his career, he has played a role in the development of some of the company’s most significant products, like AirPods, the Apple Watch, and Vision Pro.

His promotion indicates a renewed emphasis on hardware at a time when Apple faces pressure to define its forthcoming era. Ternus is now set to help shape that vision.

Hardware with AI at the forefront

Instead of directly competing with firms creating the largest AI models, Ternus might steer Apple toward concentrating on the AI-infused devices themselves, whether they are handheld, wearable, or integrated into home environments.

There is already considerable speculation about Apple’s next potential launches. Concepts being discussed include smart glasses, a wearable pendant equipped with a camera, and even AirPods featuring AI capabilities. According to Bloomberg, the vision is that all these devices would interact with the iPhone, with Siri taking on a crucial role.

Ternus is anticipated to propel products that have been in a state of uncertainty. Foldable iPhones are a prime example. They have been rumored for years, and while rivals have progressed, Apple has adopted a more cautious approach, waiting for the technology to meet its standards. Reports indicate it will launch in September, placing Ternus in charge of this rollout.

Apple has also been investigating robotics, especially for home applications. One idea includes a tabletop unit with a robotic arm linked to a display, functioning as a smart assistant that can orient and move towards you. This aligns with Ternus’s long-held fascination with robotics. During college, he created a device enabling quadriplegics to control a mechanical feeding arm using head movements, as reported by the New York Times.

There are also proposals for mobile robots that could accompany you, perform simple tasks, or serve as a moving FaceTime screen. Some reports even refer to trials with humanoid robots, though those are likely still years away.

While none of these plans are guaranteed to materialize, they provide a clear insight into Apple’s potential direction.

Nevertheless, ongoing shortages in memory chips, President Trump’s frequently changing tariff regulations, and the company’s dependency on Chinese manufacturing could pose significant challenges ahead. Approximately 80% of iPhones were made in China prior to the tariffs. Recently, the company has shifted to India, producing about 25% of its iPhones in that region last year, according to Bloomberg.