'I don't think we ever lost innovation': New Apple CEO John Ternus defends Apple's track record as his first September launch comes to a close

'I don't think we ever lost innovation': New Apple CEO John Ternus defends Apple's track record as his first September launch comes to a close

In one of his first interviews as CEO of Apple, John Ternus tells TechRadar that he doesn't believe the tech giant ever lost sight of its roots in innovative engineering and technology.

The seat of innovation

John Ternus has barely been CEO of Apple for a fortnight, and he's already caused quite the stir. Some of this is to be expected; Apple's September event is barely in the rearview, and the dust has far from settled following the announcement of the long-awaited iPhone Duo. Still, it's one small interjection he made in a video interview with TechRadar and Tom's Guide that tells a lot about his relationship with the company he now governs.

In addition to discussing the new devices launched this week, the interview covered Ternus's views on AI, wearable tech, and becoming CEO of one of the world's largest and most eminent tech companies - plus, crucially, his view on innovation.

When Editor-at-Large Lance Ulanoff asked about his plans to reinvigorate the brand's image when it comes to innovation, Ternus replied:

"I don't think we ever lost innovation."

Is it ever enough?

The unavoidable truth is that the "iPhone moment" is, perhaps, once in a generation; and there's a lot more competition in the playing field now than there was back in 2007. That being said, it's hard to argue that there's been no innovation under Tim Cook's tenure. From:

• Apple silicon chips (2021)
• Touch ID (2013)
• Face ID (2017)
• The world's first over-the-counter direct-to-consumer ECG in the Apple Watch Series 4 (2018)

...there's been plenty to shout about - even though recent years have maybe been a little quieter, barring the Vision Pro... but that's not much to write home about yet.

Of course, Ternus' quick retort garnered some reactions nonetheless, with commenters across TikTok and YouTube accounts arguing that true product-level innovation had been lost at Apple for many a year.

A difficult hand to play

Cook had a difficult job, without a shadow of a doubt: huge boots to fill in the wake of Steve Jobs' passing, a grieving user base and fanbase, plus lofty expectations to steer the Apple ship through everything from a global pandemic to hardware supply chain chaos - and that's just in recent years.

Apple's still kicking, with a strong set of products, a devoted audience, and a seemingly optimistic future under Ternus' leadership. Only time will tell what's in store for this new era after the iPhone Duo.

Josephine Watson is TechRadar's Managing Editor - Social & Engagement. Josephine is an award-winning (PPA 30 under 30 2024), NCTJ-trained journalist. Having previously written on a variety of topics, from pop culture to gaming and even the energy industry, she joined TechRadar to support general site management. She is a smart home nerd, champion of TechRadar's sustainability efforts, and an advocate for internet safety and education. She has used her position to fight for progressive approaches towards diversity and inclusion, mental health, and neurodiversity in corporate settings. Generally, you'll find her fiddling with her smart home setup, watching Disney movies, playing on her Switch, or rewatching the extended edition of Lord of the Rings... again.