Apple’s next product cycle may be shaped less by Tim Cook’s operational legacy and more by John Ternus’ engineering background. Bloomberg, via Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter, reports that Cook is leaving behind a “strong pipeline” that could place Ternus at the center of several major launches.
That pipeline is drawing attention because it appears to extend beyond incremental updates. The company is being linked to a foldable iPhone, new smart home hardware, AI-focused wearables, and broader changes across Mac and iPad lines.
Foldable iPhone could set the tone
Among the most closely watched projects is a book-style foldable iPhone, which has been described as a possible iPhone Ultra. Bloomberg says the device could be introduced alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.
The same report suggests Apple once wanted Ternus to be the main face of its September launch event. That idea makes sense in the context of a product that demands heavy hardware engineering and a strong technical explanation for consumers.
Ternus already oversees Apple’s hardware engineering and product development. That background could make him a natural spokesperson for a foldable device, especially one expected to signal Apple’s entry into a category it has not directly addressed before.
Smart home hardware moves higher on the list
Apple’s next wave may also include a stronger push into AI-powered home devices. One of the most frequently mentioned products is a HomePod with a display, which could arrive under the Smart Home Hub name.
The rumored lineup does not stop there. Reports also point to a Tabletop Robot and a new security device that could compete with offerings from Ring and Google Nest.
Taken together, those products suggest Apple may be aiming for a deeper role inside the home rather than selling isolated gadgets. If that strategy develops as described, Apple’s services, assistant features, and hardware could be tied together more tightly in daily use.
Wearables may shift toward cameras and AI
Apple is also said to be exploring wearables with a different focus. The direction appears to center on cameras and artificial intelligence, creating devices that can respond more intelligently to context.
Three products are being discussed in that category: Apple’s first smart glasses, AI-powered AirPods with a camera, and a device referred to as an AI pendant. The range of concepts shows that Apple may be testing several paths beyond the familiar formula of iPhone, Apple Watch, and laptop-centered computing.
Still, those products remain in development. None of them is confirmed for release, and the reports do not indicate that every concept will necessarily reach the market.
Mac and iPad changes could widen the transition
Apple’s computer lineup is also part of the broader shift. One of the more notable rumors is a MacBook with a touchscreen, which could appear as early as next year.
That would represent a meaningful change for a product family that has long avoided touch-first input. Alongside that, Apple is also rumored to be working on a 20-inch foldable iPad.
Bloomberg has additionally mentioned AR glasses that may arrive between 2028 and 2030. Together with the other projects, the reports point to Apple exploring multiple form factors at once, from laptops to visual-computing devices.
Why Ternus is being watched closely
Ternus already leads Apple’s product engineering organization, and that makes him central to any major transition involving new hardware. His role places him in a position to guide products that are technically more demanding than the company’s standard refreshes.
Cook, meanwhile, is expected to join the board and remain involved with policymakers on Apple’s behalf. His reputation has been built around supply chain execution, while the incoming phase appears more closely tied to product delivery and technical presentation.
For now, the full list of rumored devices still includes the iPhone Ultra, Smart Home Hub, Tabletop Robot, security hardware, camera-enabled wearables, a touchscreen MacBook, AR glasses, and a foldable iPad. Until Apple makes its own announcements, all of it remains part of the industry’s closely watched speculation.