John Ternus takes over as Apple CEO amid AI catch-up challenge

Apple hardware engineering chief John Ternus assumes the CEO role, succeeding Tim Cook, at a time when the company is viewed as lagging rivals in artificial intelligence. Analysts note the leadership change places an engineer focused on product durability and hardware innovation at the helm while the firm faces pressure to accelerate AI capabilities. The transition occurs days before Apple’s September product event and amid ongoing geopolitical supply-chain tensions.