Apple Signals CEO Candidate by Expanding Hardware Boss's Role

Core Insights - John Ternus has been elevated to oversee Apple's design teams, in addition to his existing responsibilities in hardware engineering, indicating his rising prominence within the company [2][4]. - Ternus's role expansion includes full oversight of the Apple Watch and the robotics teams, showcasing his broadening influence over key product areas [2][4]. - The design function at Apple is historically significant and has been led by top executives, suggesting Ternus is being groomed for a potential future leadership role [3][4]. Company Structure and Leadership - The design teams report to CEO Tim Cook on paper, but are overseen by Ternus, reflecting a unique organizational setup [5][6]. - This arrangement aims to maintain the public perception of Cook's leadership while allowing Ternus to take a more active role in design [6]. - Other potential CEO candidates mentioned include Sobhi Kohn, but Ternus is currently viewed as the frontrunner for succession [4][6]. Product Focus - Ternus is expected to focus on the development of a foldable iPhone, which is anticipated to be a significant growth driver for Apple's revenue [7][8].