John Ternus takes over Apple as AI strategy leans on Google partnership

John Ternus becomes Apple’s chief executive on Sept. 1, 2026, taking charge of a company whose artificial-intelligence strategy relies on external partnerships, including Google’s Gemini model for Siri. Apple pays Google approximately $1 billion annually for the model, according to the research packet.

The leadership change comes before Apple’s expected Sept. 9 unveiling of its first foldable iPhone. The event is identified in the research as Ternus’s first major test, with Siri also expected to be unveiled alongside the device.

Apple’s approach to AI, as described in the research, emphasizes partnerships rather than building AI infrastructure entirely in-house. The arrangement with Google gives Apple access to the Gemini model for Siri while placing part of the technology strategy outside the company.

Tim Cook, Apple’s outgoing chief executive, admitted that the company does not have a complete plan for the computing costs associated with AI. The research does not provide further details about the plan, the expected costs or the terms of Apple’s agreement with Google beyond the approximately $1 billion annual payment.

Ternus succeeds Cook on Sept. 1. The research identifies the change as a transition in leadership rather than reporting a change in Apple’s AI partnership strategy. It also does not specify whether Ternus plans to alter the company’s reliance on external models or infrastructure.

Apple’s expected Sept. 9 event will provide the first listed test of the new chief executive’s tenure. The company is expected to present Siri and its first foldable iPhone at that event, although the research does not say whether the announcements will include changes to Apple’s broader AI strategy.