Apple CEO Ternus targets management jobs in major shake-up

The new Apple CEO John Ternus has started his first month in charge with a clear idea, make the company leaner and faster. His reported plans include cutting some management roles, changing product launches and using AI more. But one big job cut plan is now on hold.

Apple CEO Ternus targets middle management

As reported by NDTV, Ternus is considering reducing Apple’s middle management roles to create a more direct line of communication between engineers and top-level executives. This could help teams make decisions faster and give engineers a more direct path to top bosses. Ternus took over from Tim Cook on September 1 after more than 25 years at Apple. Smaller cuts had already been made in areas such as Siri, Vision Pro and AI software.

Apple’s hardware engineering team has already cut several engineering program manager roles. Around six directors were among those affected, according to the report. Workers affected by the cuts have time to look for other jobs inside Apple. Those who cannot find a new role may leave later this year.

Apple may change how it launches products

This shake up is not just about the jobs but, Ternus also wants Apple to move faster with their new products. The new CEO is looking at leaner teams, more frequent launches and wider use of AI. Apple has long used spring and autumn events to present many major products. That pattern may now change. Reports say Ternus wants products to arrive at different points across the year.

The wider plan also includes changes linked to AI and Apple’s workforce. Ternus is looking at ways AI tools can take on some tasks and help teams move faster. Still, the company has paused a much larger AppleCare job cut plan. Apple had considered cutting about 5,000 AppleCare support jobs and using AI tools to handle more customer help. That plan is not moving ahead for now.

A new direction under Ternus

Ternus is also looking for new ways to grow Apple’s business. Reports say he is working with services chief Eddy Cue and finance chief Kevan Parekh to find new revenue sources and get more value from existing products and services. The timing is important. Apple is trying to move faster in AI while keeping its hardware business growing. Ternus came from the hardware side and previously led the engineering team behind products such as the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and AirPods.

The company is also preparing a busy product period, with possible new devices such as camera equipped AirPods, smart glasses and a redesigned iPhone planned for next year. For now, the main changes are focused on speed, fewer layers and closer contact between engineers and senior leaders. More job cuts are possible, but the exact number and timing are still unclear. The next few months should show how much of Ternus’ plan becomes reality.

Author’s Opinion

Ternus’ plan could make Apple quicker, but job cuts will always have a human cost. The company has not confirmed the full scale of the changes. For now, the key question is whether fewer layers can bring faster work without hurting quality.

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