iPhone-Konzern: Neuer Apple-Chef muss iPhone-Konzern durch KI-Ära steuern

Apple's new CEO, John Ternus, is set to take the helm of the iPhone empire in just a week's time, on September 1st. At 51 years old, Ternus is a year older than Apple itself, and has been in charge of devices until now. In his new role, it is fitting that he is expected to announce Apple's entry into the foldable smartphone market.

Known for his competence, focus, and creativity in problem-solving, Ternus enjoys racing his Porsche on the Laguna Seca racetrack in California, achieving lap times under 1:40 minutes. At Apple's WWDC in June, Ternus received a warm welcome at a press party, where he posed for selfies, smiling brightly throughout. Ternus succeeds Tim Cook, who took over the position from Apple's co-founder Steve Jobs 15 years ago.

Jobs, a key figure in Apple's history, started the company in his parents' garage with the help of Steve Wozniak. Under Jobs, Apple launched the iPod, iPhone, and iPad. Cook faced initial skepticism before leading Apple to become a financial powerhouse. During Cook's tenure, Apple entered the computer watch market and became the number one player in that market.

The Apple Watch and AirPods earbuds were also successful innovations. The mixed reality headset Vision Pro, however, failed to gain traction due to its high price. Despite this, the device has found applications in design and medicine. Cook's critics often point out that Apple has not introduced a revolutionary new product like the iPhone under his leadership, though some have suggested an autonomous electric vehicle could have been such a game-changer.

Instead, Apple has focused on developing its own chips, which have become increasingly powerful. This has allowed all Apple devices to run on a unified platform, seamlessly connecting users to different devices for various aspects of their lives. This strategy, combined with software, has been a central success recipe for Apple, enticing customers to purchase new devices regularly.

Ternus, with his background in supply chain management, will face the challenge of navigating the impact of Artificial Intelligence on Apple's business, as the current assumption is that people will continue using Apple's products to access AI-powered software. The counterargument from AI rivals, such as billionaire Elon Musk, is that new technology will require radically different devices.

OpenAI, led by ChatGPT developer Elon Musk, has hired former Apple design chief Jony Ive and reportedly employs over 400 Apple employees. Apple has faced legal disputes over alleged business secrets taken by employees, and Cook handled several unpleasant tasks during his final days, including raising prices for numerous Apple devices and conducting layoffs on the West Coast.

Ternus will not need to worry about meeting with President Donald Trump, a delicate matter for tech CEOs, as Cook has already presented a glass iPhone in a golden stand at the White House.