The new CEO of Apple indicates a new era in AI, the importance of hardware in the development of artificial intelligence

Apple's decision to appoint John Ternus as Tim Cook's successor marks a significant transition in leadership, suggesting that the future of artificial intelligence (AI) will be closely tied to hardware, not just software.

Under Cook's leadership, Apple transformed the iPhone into a complex platform, but Ternus now faces the challenge of defining Apple's place in an industry that is rapidly reorganizing around AI. While rivals invest in large models and cloud infrastructure, Apple has focused on on-device intelligence and integrated experiences.

Ternus, a former hardware leader, has been essential in the company's custom silicon strategy, and Apple chips already support many recent AI functions. There is speculation that Apple could launch new products, such as smart glasses or AirPods with cameras. However, the question remains whether hardware alone is sufficient, and Apple needs to develop a clear strategy for its long-term AI platform. Ternus may be the right execution to build the products, but his success will depend on Apple's ability to define the platform that supports them.