The biggest question for Apple's new CEO: Does he need an iPhone for the AI era?

As John Ternus steps into the role of CEO at Apple, comparisons to the legendary Steve Jobs are inevitable. However, Ternus's approach may be just what Apple needs. Under Tim Cook's leadership, Apple flourished, selling around 3 billion iPhones and seeing its market valuation soar from $300 billion to an astonishing $4 trillion over 15 years. Though Ternus may not be the visionary product creator like Jobs, he has a proven track record of engineering excellence and operational prowess. His hands-on experience ensured that the products Tim Cook championed functioned seamlessly. While his biography might not read like an epic tale of innovation, Ternus's contributions—expanding the iPad lineup, developing AirPods, and leading the launch of 5G phones—are crucial for Apple's ongoing success. The pivotal question now is whether Ternus's strengths in engineering and operations qualify him to lead Apple into a new era dominated by artificial intelligence. Tim Cook's strategy has focused on impressive sales and stock growth, but the AI landscape is rapidly evolving. Critics claim that Apple has lagged behind its competitors in terms of AI investment, while others suggest that the company is playing a long game by allowing rivals to compete fiercely in the AI space. With a potential shift in technology on the horizon, many believe that AI could redefine our interaction with devices, possibly leading to innovations that surpass the iPhone. In this scenario, Ternus's Apple might still thrive, as consumers will likely continue to seek reliable, phone-like devices from a trusted brand. However, if the tech landscape opens up significantly, Apple might find itself wishing for a leader who embraces bold innovations over incremental improvements, especially as the AI revolution unfolds.