Apple new CEO Ternus teases "phenomenal" iPhone launch in first memo

Investing.com -- Apple Inc. Chief Executive Officer John Ternus described the company's upcoming iPhone launch as "phenomenal" in his first message to employees as the new leader.

Ternus, who previously served as head of hardware engineering, told staff he is excited about what lies beyond the new iPhone release, including products already in development and future creations the team will develop together.

The new CEO thanked his predecessor, Tim Cook, for his leadership at Apple and his assistance during the transition. Cook, who led Apple for 15 years, now serves as executive chairman.

On Tuesday, Ternus posted on X for the first time, joining Cook and marketing chief Greg Joswiak among Apple executives active on the social media platform.

Joswiak said Ternus will have more to say at the company's Sept. 9 event. Apple plans to launch its first foldable iPhone and is preparing a push into smart home devices.

Cook sent his final message to employees as CEO on Monday, telling them he will miss the work but expressed confidence in Ternus' leadership.

In his memo to staff, Ternus wrote: "I'm honored to be stepping into this role at what is truly the greatest company in the world, and I am so excited about everything we have in store. We have a huge launch next week that's going to be phenomenal."

Ternus’ full memo to staff:

Team,

Today, on my first day as CEO, I just wanted to send a quick note to thank everyone for the warm wishes. I also want to extend my deep appreciation to Tim for sharing so much of his knowledge and experience during this transition, and more importantly, for everything he contributed to Apple over the years. We’re so lucky to have had a CEO who led with his values and with such decency and humanity. We are all better for it and I’m so grateful he’ll be our executive chairman.

I’m honored to be stepping into this role at what is truly the greatest company in the world, and I am so excited about everything we have in store. We have a huge launch next week that’s going to be phenomenal. Thanks for everything you’ve all done to make it possible.

I’m just as excited about what lies beyond that, including the incredible products already in the works and the ones we haven’t even imagined yet that we’ll dream up and create together. There’s no team in the world I’d rather build the future with.

More to come. In the meantime, thanks for your excellent work!

John

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