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Craig Federighi is the frontrunner if Apple wants innovation with public charisma.
John Ternus offers quiet strength and unmatched product engineering depth.
Greg Joswiak brings legacy, trust, and public confidence, but may be a short-term choice.
For over a decade, Tim Cook has quietly reshaped Apple. Where Steve Jobs was fire and lightning, Cook has precision and patience. But now, with Apple COO Jeff Williams officially stepping away and Cook entering his mid-60s, the world’s most valuable company may soon see a new face at the top.
There’s no formal announcement about the Apple CEO replacement yet. If you’ve been watching closely, the signs are there. The next Apple CEO is likely already deep inside the spaceship-shaped walls of Cupertino. The tech giant doesn’t bring in outsiders. It grooms leaders from within. Here’s a look at the names most likely to carry the torch forward.
Hair that’s gone full silver. A stage presence that rivals Jobs. And a resume that screams Apple DNA. Craig Federighi, Senior VP of Software Engineering, is more than just the guy who demos new iOS features at WWDC. He’s the architect behind Apple’s software universe, from macOS to iOS, and now, the company’s foray into Apple Intelligence.
Federighi brings charisma, deep product understanding, and a public presence that Apple fans trust. He has also been one of the most vocal champions of Apple’s privacy-first stance in the age of generative tech. If Apple wants a CEO who can lead through innovation while keeping the brand’s spirit alive, Federighi is a strong bet.
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John Ternus rarely seeks the spotlight, but his work speaks loudly. As Senior VP of Hardware Engineering, Ternus helped steer one of the boldest shifts in Apple’s modern era: the move to Apple Silicon. M1, M2, and M3 all emerged under his leadership, solidifying Apple’s dominance in personal computing.
Recently, Ternus was put in charge of Apple’s robotics division. That move is no accident. Apple sees robotics as a long game, and giving Ternus that responsibility signals they view him as a leader who can shape the company’s future for decades, not just through the next product launch.
He’s the face you see at every iPhone launch. The polished delivery, the carefully chosen words, make Greg Joswiak, or “Joz,” the Senior VP of Worldwide Marketing and the man responsible for how Apple presents itself to the world.
At 61, Joz is the most senior among the rumored successors. His experience runs deep, with over three decades at Apple, and he’s credited with steering the company’s messaging through both smooth and stormy seasons. If Apple leans toward stability and seasoned stewardship, Joz could be the one.
Sabih Khan: Now the official COO, and that alone puts him on the map. He has been at Apple since 1995 and has deep operational chops. He’s also the kind of behind-the-scenes strategist Apple tends to trust.
Eddy Cue: A pillar of Apple’s services division. He’s long been involved in negotiations with Hollywood, publishers, and sports leagues. Still, he’s not considered a leading candidate, as his role is viewed as too siloed and narrowly focused.
Deirdre O’Brien: She runs retail and people operations, two massive verticals. But recent criticism over union issues may keep her name off the shortlist.
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Apple’s transition won't be rushed. If anything, it’ll mirror Jobs’ careful handover to Cook. Look for increased keynote visibility, more product leadership moments, and subtle shifts in who stands beside Cook during big announcements.
Whoever steps up will be handed more than a multitrillion-dollar enterprise. They’ll inherit Apple’s mystique, its pace of perfection, and the expectation to deliver not just products, but moments.
In a world where every tech brand is chasing the next big thing, Apple’s next CEO will have to do the impossible: push forward without breaking the rhythm. These Apple CEO candidates might be up to the task, and they could bestow greater results by assuming this new position.
