Apple(US:AAPL) Di Yi Cai Jing·2026-01-23 08:14Core Viewpoint - Apple has appointed John Ternus, the head of hardware engineering, to lead its design team, expanding his responsibilities as he is seen as a potential successor to CEO Tim Cook [1][2] Group 1: Leadership Changes - John Ternus will now oversee the design team, which previously reported to Jeff Williams, who is set to retire in 2025 [1] - Ternus is currently the youngest senior executive at Apple at 50 years old, and if he becomes CEO, he could have a long tenure [2] - The design team previously had Jonathan Ive as a prominent leader, known as Apple's "soul designer" [1] Group 2: Ternus's Background and Management Style - Ternus joined Apple in 2001 and is known for his calm demeanor and attention to detail, similar to Cook [2] - He has been more recognized for maintaining products rather than developing new ones, and his experience in policy risk management is limited [2] - Ternus is viewed as a "peacekeeper" within the company, capable of navigating risks without causing conflict [2] Group 3: Challenges Ahead for Apple - Under Cook's leadership, Apple has achieved many small successes but faces challenges in replicating the rapid success of the iPhone and iPad [3] - Apple's artificial intelligence initiatives are lagging behind competitors, who have invested heavily in AI development [3] - The company is at a crossroads regarding its future leadership, debating whether to choose an innovator or a shrewd manager for the next CEO [3]