John Ternus Takes Over Apple as New iPhones, Other AI Products Near

Apple’s leadership change and its biggest product year in recent memory are converging. On Sept. 1, 2026, John Ternus will take the reins at Apple, stepping in as chief executive officer as Tim Cook moves into an executive chairman role. His assumption of office comes just days before Apple’s expected September event, positioning him to lead what could be a major wave of new product launches . iPhone takes center stage with a twist Apple’s next iPhone lineup is expected to headline the event, led by the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. However, the spotlight may fall on the anticipated foldable device widely referred to as the iPhone Ultra . Reports suggest this could mark Apple’s most significant shift in smartphone design in years, with a foldable form factor and new multitasking features tied to iOS 27. There are also indications that Apple may shake up its usual release strategy , possibly skipping a standard base model this cycle and focusing more on premium devices. Apple Watch updates continue Alongside the iPhones, Apple is expected to introduce updates to its wearables lineup, including the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 . While major design changes are uncertain, both models could bring improved chips and new health-focused features. AirPods move toward AI A new, higher-end version of AirPods Pro is rumored to arrive alongside the iPhones, even though the previous generation launched recently. The key change could be the addition of infrared cameras, enabling what is described as “visual intelligence” tied to Apple’s broader AI push. This would position AirPods not just as audio devices, but as part of a wider AI ecosystem. Apple’s smart home push gathers momentum Apple’s long-rumored expansion into the smart home space may finally materialize this year. Products expected include a new smart home hub with a display, an updated Apple TV 4K, a HomePod 3, and a HomePod mini 2. These devices are expected to rely heavily on a redesigned Siri…