Author: Yang Chen

Apple CEO John Ternus praised the company's strong product pipeline in his first address to employees as the new leader and warmed up for the "extraordinary" iPhone launch event scheduled for next week.

The former hardware engineering head stated:

“Next week, we have a major launch, and it will be truly extraordinary.”

He expressed excitement about future plans beyond the new iPhone release:

“Including amazing products currently in development, as well as products we have yet to imagine, which we will collaboratively conceive and create in the future.”

He also thanked former CEO Tim Cook for his leadership at Apple and for the assistance during the transition period. Cook, who has helmed Apple for 15 years, will remain as executive chairman.

On the same Tuesday, Ternus posted on social media platform X for the first time—“Hello”—joining Cook and marketing head Greg Joswiak as active Apple executives on the platform.

Joswiak stated that Ternus will reveal more information at the company launch event on September 9. Apple is planning to launch its first foldable iPhone and is preparing to enter the smart home device sector.

The development roadmap of Apple also includes AirPods equipped with cameras, smart glasses, desktop robotic home devices, and touchscreen MacBooks.

Cook sent his last letter to employees as CEO on Monday, expressing that he would miss the job but has full confidence in Ternus' leadership.

Below is the full text of Ternus's letter to all employees:

Team Members:

Today is my first day as CEO, and I just want to send a brief note to thank everyone for the warm wishes.

I also want to deeply thank Tim for sharing so much knowledge and experience during this transition period, and more importantly, for all he has done for Apple over the years.

We are incredibly lucky to have a CEO who prioritizes values and embodies grace and humanity. We have all become better because of him, and I am very grateful that he will serve as our executive chairman. It is an immense honor to take on this role at what can be considered the greatest company in the world, and I am extremely excited about everything we have in store.

Next week we have a major launch, and it will be truly extraordinary. Thank you all for your hard work to achieve this goal. I am also excited about the future that follows, including amazing products currently in development, and products we have yet to even imagine, which we will collaboratively envision and create in the future. There is no better team in this world that I would want to build the future with. More exciting things await. In the meantime, thank you for your outstanding work!

John