John Ternus, who will be Apple's CEO from September 2026, aims to restore the company's design team's former influence. This was reported by Bloomberg's well-known technology commentator Mark Gurman.
According to the report, under Steve Jobs and former chief designer Jony Ive, the industrial design department was considered one of Apple's main decision-making centers and played a crucial role in shaping the company's future products.
However, in recent years, the influence of the design team has decreased. The main reasons for this are Jony Ive's first departure from management, and then his complete departure from the company, as well as the departure of a number of key employees from Apple. As a result, the influence of the finance and operations departments on product strategy has increased.
These changes are also reflected in Apple's products. Although the company regularly updates its devices, new design approaches and form factors are introduced less often than in previous years. For example, the Apple Watch and Mac line have retained their familiar appearance for more than a decade.
According to Bloomberg, Ternus intends to change this situation. He plans to appoint a new chief designer first. The new leader is expected to have a say at the company's board of directors, have broad authority, and be able to deliver innovative, "breakthrough" designs.
According to John Ternus, design is the foundation of Apple's business, and the company's products should be among the most aesthetically pleasing and well-thought-out technological devices that most users own.
