Apple's Next CEO John Ternus Calls Roadmap 'Incredible' on Earnings Call

Apple used its fiscal Q2 2026 earnings call to outline the upcoming CEO transition from Tim Cook to John Ternus, with both executives addressing investors directly.



Cook, who just celebrated his 28th anniversary at the company and 15 years as chief executive, called it the right moment for the transition. He pointed to strong double-digit growth in the first half of the year and an "incredible" product roadmap, a description Ternus echoed during his remarks. Cook praised Ternus as a "brilliant engineer" and a "born leader," telling investors there is no one he trusts more to lead Apple into the future.


Ternus briefly joined the call to share his outlook, calling it the "most exciting time in my 25-year career at Apple Inc. to be building products and services." While he declined to share specifics about the company's upcoming roadmap, he expressed deep optimism about the opportunities ahead.

He also committed to maintaining the financial discipline that defined Cook's tenure. Ternus said he plans to continue the company's "deep thoughtfulness, deliberateness, and discipline when it comes to the financial decision-making of the company" alongside CFO Kevan Parekh once he officially takes the helm in September.

During the question-and-answer session, Cook was asked what advice he passed down to Ternus. Drawing on advice he once received from Steve Jobs, Cook emphasized time management and focus. He advised Ternus to "never forget the North Star for the company" by prioritizing the creation of the best products in the world to enrich people's lives.

Cook said he and Ternus will work closely in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition before he becomes executive chairman on September 1.