Ternus Takes the Helm: Apple CEO Hints at Massive Product Reveals Coming Soon

Well, what an exciting time it is for Apple! Just as John Ternus steps into the enormous shoes of former CEO Tim Cook, he’s already setting the tech world abuzz. Barely a day into his new role, Ternus fired off a memo to employees, practically brimming with anticipation, declaring that a "huge launch" is slated for next week. And honestly, considering the whispers and reports swirling around, he’s not exaggerating one bit.

This isn’t just any product reveal; it feels like a genuine new chapter. The highly anticipated "Surprise and shine" event, as it's been dubbed, is scheduled for September 9th at Apple Park in Cupertino. Everyone's ears are perked up, ready for what could be one of Apple's most significant announcements in years. The rumor mill suggests we're about to witness the debut of the groundbreaking foldable iPhone Ultra alongside the new iPhone 18 Pro series, not to mention a refreshed lineup of Apple Watches and perhaps even some fresh AirPods.

It’s a truly pivotal moment, not just for the products, but for the leadership too. Ternus, who formally took the reins from Tim Cook on September 1, 2026, is no stranger to Apple’s inner workings. He's been with the company since 2001, most recently serving as the Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering – a role now filled by the highly capable Johny Srouji, Apple’s Chief Hardware Officer. Cook, of course, isn't going anywhere, transitioning into an Executive Chairman role, a move that was wisely announced back in April to ensure a smooth succession.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show, if the rumors hold true: the foldable iPhone Ultra. This device could mark Apple’s very first product to carry the coveted "Ultra" branding, signaling something truly exceptional. Imagine a book-style foldable design, sporting a sleek 5.5-inch outer display and unfolding into a generous 7.8-inch internal screen. There’s even talk of an under-display camera for that larger internal screen, keeping the visuals pristine, while the external display might feature a more conventional punch-hole camera. And for those who miss it, Bloomberg suggests Touch ID could be making a welcome return, embedded right into this futuristic handset. Rounding out its photographic capabilities, we’re looking at a dual-camera setup on the rear, likely featuring a powerful primary sensor and an ultra-wide-angle lens.

Of course, the beloved iPhone Pro series isn't taking a back seat. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are also expected to make a grand entrance alongside their foldable cousin. These powerhouses are anticipated to run on Apple's cutting-edge A20 Pro chip, manufactured with an incredibly efficient 2nm process, paired with Apple’s C2 modem for lightning-fast connectivity. Camera enthusiasts, rejoice! Upgrades are definitely on the cards, with the iPhone 18 Pro Max potentially sporting a variable-aperture main camera for even more photographic flexibility. While the overall design might largely stay familiar, Apple is reportedly hard at work on under-display Face ID technology, which would be a neat trick, though whether it’s ready for this launch remains to be seen.

Beyond the iPhones, we're likely to see some fresh wristwear. A refreshed Apple Watch lineup is on the docket, possibly including the Apple Watch Series 12, which might see more limited updates, and the Apple Watch Ultra 4, expected to bring some significant design tweaks and additional sensors. And let’s not forget AirPods! Apple could very well unveil new models at this event, perhaps even the long-rumored AirPods Pro with camera-equipped earbuds for visual intelligence features. However, some chatter suggests Apple might hold off on those Pro models until next year, perhaps introducing new AirPods 4 at this event instead. Either way, our ears are ready!

Looking a little further down the road, it seems Apple is also strategically rethinking its wearable computing strategy. While the Vision Pro headset certainly turned heads, reports indicate smart glasses are now receiving greater internal priority. The company is said to be aiming for its first AI-powered smart glasses, potentially arriving in 2027. This shift comes alongside some internal restructuring, with over 200 positions reportedly cut from Vision Pro, Siri, and other software teams, including about a hundred directly from Vision Pro – a clear sign of evolving priorities. And for those wondering about other iPhones, the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 models are still expected in the first half of 2027.

So, as John Ternus embarks on his journey as Apple's CEO, the excitement is palpable. With a "huge launch" just around the corner and a clear vision for the future, it truly feels like Apple is ready to surprise and shine, ushering in an exciting new era of innovation. We'll be watching closely, that's for sure!