Apple’s current CEO Tim Cook and incoming CEO John Ternus were interviewed by Deadline about the executive transition, Apple TV+, and more. Here’s what they said.
Tim Cook and John Ternus attend Ted Lasso premiere, talk CEO transition and Apple TV
Last night the Ted Lasso season 4 world premiere happened in Los Angeles, and Apple’s current and incoming CEOs both attended. Ted Lasso returns to Apple TV on August 5 (watch here).
Tim Cook and John Ternus wore matching suits, each featuring a Ted Lasso ‘Believe’ pin.
Deadline’s Nellie Andreeva interviewed Cook and Ternus together, asking about the CEO transition, future plans for Apple TV, and more.
Cook said, “I feel so much gratitude to have been the CEO of Apple for 15 years and to work with all of the people that I get to work with, it’s a privilege of a lifetime.” Regarding the transition’s progress, he said: “It’s over the top great. John is the perfect person for this role, and the whole thing has just been great — the employee piece, the investor piece, everything.”
Ternus added, “It’s amazing. I mean, what an incredible opportunity! It’s so exciting for me. I’ve been at Apple for 25 years, I love Apple, and to have this opportunity is beyond words.”
When asked what Ternus will do first when he becomes CEO on September 1, he said, “You have to wait and see.”
Regarding Apple TV, Ternus praised the work Eddy Cue and team are doing and declined to mention any changes he plans to bring. “I am just so excited about the momentum we have. There’s so much great content on Apple TV, and now is just the perfect time for us to keep the momentum up.”
He said he’s currently watching Silo and Lucky on Apple TV. Cook mentioned Widow’s Bay, Pluribus, and Silo as recent watches.
Funnily enough, Cook was asked if he plans to watch Ted Lasso season 4 on Apple Vision Pro. That was reportedly how he watched season 3. “Oh yes, of course, and watch it lying down on Vision Pro, there’s nothing quite like that.”
You can read or watch the full interview here on Deadline.
Apple TV is available for $12.99 per month, or you can get it discounted through the Apple One bundle.
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Tim Cook has been Apple’s CEO since August 2011, taking over from Steve Jobs. During his tenure, Apple’s revenue has grown from about $100 billion to an expected $400 billion annually. He oversaw the launch of landmark products like Apple Watch, AirPods, and the transition to Apple Silicon. Cook has also prioritized environmental initiatives, supply chain ethics, and services growth. His 15-year stewardship has seen Apple become the world’s most valuable company, with a market cap exceeding $3 trillion at times.
John Ternus joined Apple in 2001 and has been instrumental in hardware engineering. He led development of the M1, M2, and M3 chip families, the iPad Pro with Liquid Retina XDR display, and the Mac transition to Apple Silicon. Ternus became Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering in 2021, succeeding Dan Riccio. His reputation for technical excellence and calm leadership made him the natural choice for CEO. He will officially assume the role on September 1, 2026, marking the first CEO transition at Apple in 15 years.
The Ted Lasso premiere was a significant event, reflecting Apple’s commitment to original content. Season 3 ended with a satisfying conclusion, but the show’s popularity led to a fourth season renewal. The series starring Jason Sudeikis has won multiple Emmy Awards and helped establish Apple TV+ as a serious contender in streaming. Other notable hits include “The Morning Show,” “Severance,” and “Slow Horses.”
Under Cook, Apple TV+ launched in November 2019 with a star-studded lineup. Despite a smaller library than competitors like Netflix or Disney+, Apple focused on quality over quantity, winning more awards per show than any other streamer. The service now boasts over 50 original series and films, with ambitions to expand further under Ternus.
Ternus faces challenges including competition from traditional studios, rising content costs, and the need to balance hardware and services growth. However, his long tenure at Apple ensures continuity. He inherits a company with strong cash flow, loyal customers, and a powerful ecosystem. His first public appearance with Cook at the premiere signals a seamless handover.
Cook’s viewing habits reveal his passion for Apple Vision Pro, a spatial computer released in 2024. Watching TV shows and movies in immersive environments is a key selling point. The CEO often uses the device to preview content and showcase its capabilities. Vision Pro has seen growing adoption among developers and early adopters, though its high price limits mainstream appeal.
The interview also touched on employee morale during the transition. Cook emphasized that the board and executive team fully support Ternus. “John has been with Apple for 25 years, he knows every aspect of the business, and he has the vision to lead Apple into its next era,” Cook said. Ternus responded by thanking Cook for his mentorship and dedication. “I’ve learned so much from Tim over the years — his strategic thinking, his empathy, his commitment to excellence. I’m humbled to follow in his footsteps.”
Apple TV+’s future under Ternus remains a topic of speculation. While he praised Eddy Cue’s leadership, industry watchers expect slight shifts in strategy. Perhaps more aggressive licensing of older catalog titles or increased investment in international productions. Ternus declined to elaborate, but his enthusiasm for the current momentum suggests he will stick to the successful formula of high-quality originals.
The Ted Lasso premiere attracted celebrities from across the entertainment world. Cook and Ternus mingled with cast members and producers, reinforcing Apple’s close ties to Hollywood. The event served as a metaphor for the smooth leadership transition: both CEOs wearing matching “Believe” pins, celebrating a beloved show, and looking to the future with optimism.
In summary, the interview revealed a united front and a clear plan for seamless succession. Cook departs with gratitude and pride, while Ternus steps up with excitement and humility. Apple TV+ continues to gain momentum, and fans can expect more great content under the new CEO. The full Deadline interview offers deeper insights into their perspectives and vision.
Source: 9to5Mac News