Rafomac News, Tech & Trends That MatterAfter 15 years at the helm, Tim Cook has stepped down as CEO of Apple, handing over the reins to John Ternus. With Apple’s September event less than a week away, fresh details on iPhone 18 Pro colors and iOS 27’s release candidate are stirring excitement.
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John Ternus Takes the Helm at Apple
Tim Cook’s reign as Apple CEO, spanning 15 years, officially ended on September 1st, ushering in John Ternus as the new CEO. Known for a design-focused approach, Ternus is expected to steer Apple into a new chapter that could gradually reshape the company’s products and strategies over the next three years.
Apple has updated its leadership page to reflect this change, now listing Ternus as CEO. Notably, Ternus’ social media presence has already surged, growing from a modest 400 followers to over 100,000 on X, Apple’s preferred platform, though still a fraction of Cook’s 19 million followers.
Meanwhile, Cook transitions to the role of Apple’s executive chairman, a position he acknowledged in an emotional memo thanking employees and the wider Apple community for their support and dedication. He assured he will remain involved with Apple, providing continuity amid change.
Phil Schiller Steps Down Amid Leadership Shake-up
Adding to the internal transformation, Phil Schiller has stepped away from his long-standing role leading the App Store and Apple’s product launch events. A key figure through both Steve Jobs and Tim Cook’s eras, Schiller’s departure marks a significant shift, signaling a broader reshuffle at the company’s upper echelons.
Apple’s culture of subtle yet meaningful transitions continues, illustrating the company’s commitment to evolution while maintaining its core foundations.
What’s Next for Apple: iPhone 18 Pro and iOS 27
As anticipation builds towards the upcoming Apple event, new details have emerged about the iPhone 18 Pro. Reports from Fixed Focus Digital on Weibo suggest the silver color option will be dropped this year. Instead, the lineup reportedly consists of three colors: dark cherry, sky blue, and a shade similar to space gray. This palette mirrors last year’s streamlined color lineup, with black shades replacing silver.
Alongside the iPhone rumors, the iOS 27 release candidate (RC) is expected to drop shortly after the event, possibly by September 14th—or even earlier. This update will introduce enhanced Siri AI features, although initial availability might come with a waitlist, echoing the rollout of Apple Intelligence earlier this year.
Apple is also rolling out ads to Apple Maps, appearing in search results much like Google Maps’ existing structure, indicating a subtle shift towards new revenue streams within their ecosystem. Meanwhile, WhatsApp for iOS is receiving a facelift with new chat themes to keep users engaged.
Other Apple Developments and Upcoming Devices
Beyond the iPhone and software updates, Apple’s education initiatives are advancing, with a new education centre opening in Hanoi to train employees within its supply chain in Vietnam. However, when customers call AppleCare, they will now be greeted first by an AI assistant, marking a shift towards automation in customer support.
On the hardware front, leaks suggest new AirPods 5 could launch alongside the iPhones, though updates to the AirPods Pro remain slated for the following year. The Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 updates promise limited changes but may reintroduce a ceramic case option in white and dark gray—a much-loved design feature that fans have missed.
Excitement also swirls around the rumored folding iPhone, expected to make its debut during the event. Apple has tested a smaller Apple Pencil for this device, though it might not ship immediately. Contrary to speculation, the folding phone likely won’t arrive in red but rather in variations of silver, black, or ‘midnight’ tones.
Vision Pro Faces Uncertain Future Under New Leadership
Interestingly, John Ternus reportedly isn’t a big fan of Apple’s Vision Pro mixed reality headset. Recent layoffs across teams working on visionOS and device security suggest the hardware’s future is uncertain. While the device offers compelling experiences, its nearly $4,000 price point and bulky form factor have limited mainstream adoption. Still, enthusiasts are hopeful for future iterations trimmed down to more conventional eyeglass sizes.
With only days left until Apple’s event, insiders and fans alike are eager to see Ternus’ vision for the company — how it will balance innovation with tradition as it enters a new leadership era.
