Apple has announced a big leadership change. Tim Cook will step down as CEO after leading the company for about 15 years since taking over from Steve Jobs in 2011. From September 1, 2026, John Ternus, who has worked as Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering for 25 years, will become the new CEO.
Cook will move to the role of executive chairman and focus on working with policymakers while helping with a smooth transition. This decision was carefully planned, and Cook will stay in his role through the summer to guide Ternus.
John Ternus has a lot of experience at Apple, especially in hardware development, which makes him well-prepared to lead the company’s future products. Reports, including from Mark Gurman, say that Cook is handing over a strong lineup of products that are already being developed.
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Soon after Ternus becomes CEO, Apple may launch its first foldable iPhone, possibly called the iPhone Ultra, along with the iPhone 18 Pro series. This foldable phone may have a 7.7–7.8-inch inner screen with a 4:3 ratio and a smaller 5.3-inch outer screen. It is expected to target premium users and could start at around $1,999.
Apart from the foldable iPhone, Apple is also expected to expand into new areas combining hardware and artificial intelligence. The company may introduce new smart home devices like a HomePod with a screen, possibly called a Smart Home Hub, along with a tabletop robot and new security cameras to compete with products from Ring and Google Nest. Apple is also working on AI-based wearable devices, including smart glasses, AirPods with cameras, and an AI pendant for everyday use.
In the future, under Ternus, Apple may release its first touchscreen MacBook by 2027, which would be a big change from its current design. A foldable iPad with a large 20-inch screen is also being developed, aimed at professionals and creators.
In the longer term, between 2028 and 2030, Apple may finally launch advanced augmented reality glasses, something that has been rumored for many years. These plans show Apple’s focus on AI, foldable devices, and connected technology, although some details are still not confirmed.
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The timing of this change is important, as Apple may hold a September event to launch products like the iPhone 18 lineup, Apple Watch Series 12, and Apple Watch Ultra 4. Ternus could present the new foldable iPhone at this event. Another change includes Johny Srouji becoming chief hardware officer with more responsibilities.
Even though not all products are guaranteed to launch exactly as planned, there is strong excitement around Apple’s 2026 lineup, especially with Ternus leading innovation in areas like AI and a smarter Siri.