In a watershed moment for the world's most valuable company, Apple has quietly expanded the responsibilities of Hardware Engineering SVP John Ternus to include the tech giant's legendary design team. The move, revealed in reports this week, effectively cements Ternus as the primary heir apparent to CEO Tim Cook, signaling that a leadership transition may be closer than previously thought. This major corporate restructuring comes at a tumultuous time, as Apple simultaneously faces a fresh £1.5 billion class-action lawsuit in the UK over alleged anti-competitive practices within Apple Pay.

The Design Takeover: An Engineer at the Helm

According to sources close to the matter, Tim Cook tapped Ternus to serve as the "executive sponsor" of Apple’s design organization late in 2025, following the retirement of Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams. While the move has not been officially announced on Apple’s leadership page, insiders confirm that Ternus now bridges the gap between the design staff and the executive team.

This shift represents a profound cultural change for Apple. For decades, the design studio—led by Jony Ive and later reporting to operations chiefs—was the company's spiritual core. Placing it under Ternus, a mechanical engineer by training, suggests a continued focus on pragmatic integration between hardware and aesthetics. Ternus, who has risen steadily since joining in 2001, has been instrumental in the success of the iPad and the transition to Apple Silicon. His new portfolio gives him oversight of the very feature that defines Apple's brand identity: its look and feel.

The Succession Plan: Cook's "Docking Sequence"

The consolidation of power under Ternus is being viewed by analysts as the clearest indication yet of Apple's succession strategy. With Tim Cook now 65, speculation regarding his retirement has intensified. Unlike the abrupt transitions seen at other tech firms, Apple appears to be executing a slow, deliberate handover—what some industry watchers are calling a "docking sequence."

Why John Ternus?

Ternus is seen as the safe, steady hand required to steer a $4 trillion ship. Much like Cook, he is known for his operational precision and calm demeanor. By giving him control over both hardware engineering and design, Cook is ensuring his successor has a holistic view of product development. Reports suggest that while Cook has no immediate plans to step down this month, the board is actively preparing for a transition that could occur as early as late 2026 or 2027.

However, the choice is not without its critics. Some insiders worry that placing an engineer in charge of design further distances the company from the "visionary" era of Steve Jobs, potentially prioritizing manufacturability over risk-taking innovation.

Legal Headwinds: The £1.5 Billion Apple Pay Lawsuit

As the leadership hierarchy solidifies in Cupertino, Apple is fighting a new fire across the Atlantic. A massive £1.5 billion ($2 billion) class-action lawsuit has been filed in the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal. The claim, led by consumer campaigner James Daley of Fairer Finance, alleges that Apple has engaged in anti-competitive behavior by restricting access to the iPhone's NFC chip.

The lawsuit argues that by blocking rival payment wallets and forcing UK consumers to use Apple Pay, the company has effectively monopolized the market. The claim asserts that Apple charges banks and card issuers excessive fees—costs that are ultimately passed down to consumers in the form of higher prices.

  • The Allegation: Apple Pay is the only contactless option on iPhone, stifling competition.
  • The Impact: Effectively all UK bank account holders could be eligible for compensation if the suit succeeds.
  • The Defense: Apple is expected to argue that its closed ecosystem ensures superior security and privacy for users.

This legal challenge adds to a growing list of regulatory headaches for the presumptive next CEO, who will likely inherit a company under siege from antitrust regulators in the EU, US, and now the UK.

What Lies Ahead for Apple?

The dual news of Ternus's ascent and the UK lawsuit paints a picture of a company at a crossroads. On one hand, Apple is ensuring stability and continuity by grooming a leader who embodies the "Cook Doctrine" of operational excellence. On the other, it faces existential threats to its walled-garden business model.

For investors and fans alike, the message is clear: The post-Cook era is no longer a distant hypothesis—it is being built today. Whether Ternus can balance the demands of regulators with the need for the next "big thing" remains the trillion-dollar question.