As Key Talent Abandons Apple, Meet the New Generation of Leaders Taking On the Old Guard

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📅 Last updated: December 27, 2025

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1 min read • 109 words

Apple’s Next CEO and the AI Race

With “hardware guy” John Ternus as the frontrunner for the next CEO, a key question emerges: can Apple overtake its ex-employees now leading the charge at OpenAI and Meta in the AI arena?

The Key Challenge

Apple’s potential leadership shift comes at a critical time, as rivals aggressively advance in artificial intelligence. The company’s integrated approach, blending hardware and software, will be tested against the pure-software focus of its competitors.

  • John Ternus: Current SVP of Hardware Engineering, known for deep hardware integration.
  • OpenAI & Meta: Led by ex-Apple employees, focused on scalable AI software and models.

Image: Amin Zabardast / Unsplash | Source: Wired