Ternus Faces Post-iPhone Question: Can He Reboot Apple's Computing Strategy?

Apple's incoming CEO John Ternus has a major challenge ahead of him as he takes over from Tim Cook on Tuesday. According to Futurum Group CEO Daniel Newman, Apple needs to find its next major computing platform beyond the iPhone. Newman stated that while Apple is currently the 'experience layer' for AI with users interacting with services like Claude and ChatGPT through their devices, the company has not yet capitalized on this position effectively.

Newman pointed out that Siri has failed to live up to expectations as an AI assistant, and other attempts by Apple to establish new product categories have also been unsuccessful. He noted that OpenAI and Meta are working on new devices that could change how consumers interact with technology, and if these products gain traction, Apple could find itself defending its existing hardware ecosystem rather than defining the next one.

Apple spent around $877 billion on share buybacks during Cook's tenure, more than the combined buybacks of other top tech companies. Retail investors are looking to Ternus to bring a change in Apple's product strategy and are expecting him to focus on finding the company's next major computing platform.