Apple(US:AAPL) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2026-01-22 23:46Core Viewpoint - Apple's hardware engineering chief, John Ternus, is set to take over the design team by the end of 2025, which is seen as a significant step towards his potential succession as CEO of Apple [1][5]. Group 1: Leadership Transition - Following the retirement of COO Jeff Williams at the end of 2025, Apple is undergoing a major internal restructuring, expanding Ternus's authority to oversee the company's core design operations [3]. - Ternus's new role signifies a shift from merely converting design concepts into manufacturable products to being a key decision-maker in both design and engineering [3][4]. Group 2: Integrated Management Model - Ternus's leadership of the design team breaks down previous departmental barriers, allowing him to manage the entire product lifecycle from concept to final product [4]. - This "design + engineering" integrated management approach is expected to enhance Ternus's control over product development, filling a crucial gap for his future leadership of Apple [4]. Group 3: Organizational Structure - In the new structure, Ternus will act as the "Executive Sponsor" for the design team, facilitating communication between the design team and the executive management [4]. - Although the design team will still report directly to CEO Tim Cook, Ternus will effectively have significant decision-making power, operating under a unique arrangement where he influences decisions while maintaining formal reporting lines [4]. Group 4: Future CEO Candidate - At 50 years old, Ternus is the youngest member of Apple's top management and is considered the leading candidate to succeed Tim Cook, who will turn 65 in 2025 [5]. - If Ternus ascends to the CEO position, his age would allow him to lead Apple for an extended period [5].