Ternus Takes Apple Helm as September Market Volatility Looms

Apple is welcoming John Ternus as its new CEO on September 1, just before the stock market's historically worst month of the year. Despite this challenging timing, investors shouldn't panic and sell their Apple shares. Instead, they should stay focused on the long-term.

Ternus has been with Apple since 2001, serving as senior vice president of hardware engineering since 2021. As he takes over from Tim Cook, who replaced Steve Jobs in 2011, Ternus will be expected to maintain the company's momentum. Under Cook and Jobs' leadership, Apple's shares have climbed an impressive 2,240%.

While September is historically the worst month for stocks, with the S&P 500 index averaging a negative 1.3% return over the past decade, Ternus has a deep understanding of Apple's business. He oversaw the launch of numerous new devices this decade and knows what drives the company's success in hardware and product development.

Apple's current cash cow product is the iPhone, which saw a 22% year-over-year increase in sales over the first three quarters of its fiscal 2026. The company is expected to unveil a foldable iPhone at its September event, along with other announcements that will likely drum up renewed interest and shine a spotlight on Apple's innovation prowess.