work elsewhere — iPhone assembly to India, other production to Vietnam — but the diversification has been gradual, with China, one of Apple’s biggest consumer markets, still anchoring the system.
Complicating matters, Trump has repeatedly demanded Apple build iPhones on American soil, threatening tariffs on those made overseas.
Cook avoided the heaviest blows of Trump’s trade war by cultivating the president directly, making US investment commitments and political donations — all while also keeping Beijing onside.
The tricky political terrain will be new for Ternus.
“He knows Apple Park like the back of his pocket in terms of hardware,” Ives said of Ternus.
“But on the global stage — that’s probably one of the biggest areas where he’s going to have to learn on the job.”
Cook is not going far. He becomes executive chairman of Apple’s board, with a mandate the company has said includes engaging policymakers around the world.
“That was really clever,” said Milanesi, arguing the arrangement frees Ternus from a role Cook has handled alone for years.
The September 9 iPhone event will be the first public measure of the handover.
A foldable iPhone would be the most significant redesign in years, and Ternus will be its face — eight days into the job.
“This is a moment that they created for him,” Milanesi said.
The Author
Discover more from News Network Plus
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
