John Ternus Takes Over Apple as New iPhones, Other AI Products Near

Apple’s leadership change and its biggest product year in recent memory are converging.

On Sept. 1, 2026, John Ternus will take the reins at Apple, stepping in as chief executive officer as Tim Cook moves into an executive chairman role. His assumption of office comes just days before Apple’s expected September event, positioning him to lead what could be a major wave of new product launches.

iPhone takes center stage with a twist

Apple’s next iPhone lineup is expected to headline the event, led by the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

However, the spotlight may fall on the anticipated foldable device widely referred to as the iPhone Ultra. Reports suggest this could mark Apple’s most significant shift in smartphone design in years, with a foldable form factor and new multitasking features tied to iOS 27.

There are also indications that Apple may shake up its usual release strategy, possibly skipping a standard base model this cycle and focusing more on premium devices.

Apple Watch updates continue

Alongside the iPhones, Apple is expected to introduce updates to its wearables lineup, including the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. While major design changes are uncertain, both models could bring improved chips and new health-focused features.

AirPods move toward AI

A new, higher-end version of AirPods Pro is rumored to arrive alongside the iPhones, even though the previous generation launched recently.

The key change could be the addition of infrared cameras, enabling what is described as “visual intelligence” tied to Apple’s broader AI push. This would position AirPods not just as audio devices, but as part of a wider AI ecosystem.

Apple’s smart home push gathers momentum

Apple’s long-rumored expansion into the smart home space may finally materialize this year. Products expected include a new smart home hub with a display, an updated Apple TV 4K, a HomePod 3, and a HomePod mini 2.

These devices are expected to rely heavily on a redesigned Siri experience, likely arriving with iOS 27. The upgraded assistant is rumored to be more personalized and deeply integrated across devices. There are also reports of entirely new categories, such as a Face ID-enabled smart doorbell and Apple-designed home security cameras. If launched, these would signal a more aggressive move into the connected home market.

Macs and iPads still to come

The back half of 2026 is expected to bring further hardware across Apple’s other lines. Rumored upgrades include:

• New MacBook Pro models with OLED displays and touch support
• Updated Mac desktop lineup with next-generation Apple silicon
• iPad refreshes with more powerful chips and AI support

There is also ongoing speculation about future products such as smart glasses, as Apple looks to compete in emerging hardware categories.

A hardware-first era under Ternus?

Apple is no stranger to reinvention, but the combination of a leadership change and an unusually large product pipeline suggests the company is entering a dense and pivotal launch cycle.

Ternus’s background as a hardware engineer could shape Apple’s direction in the coming years. Industry observers expect a stronger emphasis on devices, even as AI becomes central to the company’s strategy.

Ternus joined Apple in 2001, spent years in product design and hardware engineering, and has been the company’s SVP of Hardware Engineering since 2021. 

Apple’s press release credits him with helping bring the iPad, AirPods, and Apple Silicon to life, as well as recent products such as the iPhone Air and MacBook Neo.