As John Ternus Gains Influence at Apple, Focus Turns to Design Revival and Major Product Plans

Apple may be preparing for a new chapter as senior hardware executive John Ternus increasingly emerges as a leading contender to succeed Tim Cook in the future. Alongside speculation about leadership changes, attention is also turning toward whether Apple can restore the design-first culture that once defined the company.

According to a recent report by Mark Gurman, Apple’s industrial design team no longer holds the same influence it enjoyed during the eras of Steve Jobs and Jony Ive. Over the past decade, the design organization has reportedly shifted into a more supporting role, working alongside other departments rather than leading product direction.

The decline in design leadership is said to have accelerated after Ive stepped back from day-to-day management and later departed the company. While Apple continued to operate successfully under executives such as Jeff Williams, the company moved away from the structure that had long placed industrial design at the center of decision-making.

Reports suggest that Ternus has been spending more time with Apple’s industrial design teams and has emphasized internally that design remains a core part of the company’s identity. Employees reportedly heard Ternus reiterate that Apple intends to maintain a strong focus on design as it develops future products.

Major Apple launches expected in 2026 and 2027

Apple is also believed to be preparing one of its most ambitious product cycles in years. Expected launches over the next two years include:

• iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
• Apple’s first foldable iPhone
• Apple Watch Series 12
• Apple Watch Ultra 4
• A refreshed entry-level iPad with Apple Intelligence support
• An OLED-equipped iPad mini
• A smart home hub device
• The next-generation iPhone Air

Apple’s smart home strategy is also expected to expand significantly, with new AI-powered home devices and upgrades to the HomePod mini reportedly under development.

iPhone 20th anniversary devices in development

Looking further ahead, Apple is reportedly planning special products to celebrate the iPhone’s 20th anniversary. These devices could include premium anniversary editions, potentially named the iPhone 20 Pro and iPhone 20 Pro Max, along with a second-generation foldable iPhone.

Other projects said to be in development include AirPods with integrated cameras, Apple’s first smart glasses, a tabletop robotics platform, and an advanced mixed-reality headset that could eventually pave the way for true augmented reality glasses.

If these plans materialize, the coming years could mark one of the biggest transformations for Apple since the introduction of the original iPhone, with design, artificial intelligence, wearables, and smart home technology expected to play central roles in the company’s future direction.