Photo credit: appleinsider.comApple’s not just getting a new CEO - they might be gearing up for a bigger shift. Word is, John Ternus plans to put Apple’s design team back in the spotlight, rolling back years where operations and supply chain decisions started calling the shots. If he follows through, this move could really shake up how Apple dreams up its next wave of gadgets. Think about things like the foldable iPhone everyone keeps buzzing about, or whatever hardware categories they’re eyeing next.Key TakeawaysJohn Ternus is reportedly looking to restore the influence of Apple's design team as he prepares to take over as CEO.The report suggests Apple could move closer to a design-led culture after years of operational priorities playing a larger role in decision-making.The influence of Apple's design organisation reportedly declined following the departure of former design chief Jony Ive.Ternus has reportedly spent significant time working with Apple's industrial design team ahead of his leadership transition.Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone could become one of the first major products introduced during Ternus' tenure.The design-first culture that helped define Apple began to fadeAs mentioned by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, the internal priorities of Apple have changed a lot over the last ten years. According to him, in the new "Power On" newsletter, the impact of the company's design department steadily waned during the era of Tim Cook as operations and finance started to have greater say in the product decisions. This shift was intensified after the exit of design head, Jony Ive, and other top executives from Apple.This was contrary to the situation when Steve Jobs was running the company, whereby Apple's design department exerted much influence in the company's product plans. Since the departure of Jony Ive, the responsibility of overseeing the design team at Apple came under Jeff Williams, who was then COO.Despite the continued success of the company's products, many people in the industry felt that design no longer had as much power. In fact, Gurman believes that the incoming CEO, John Ternus, could help bring back the balance. According to him, the incoming CEO has met frequently with the industrial design team at Apple before taking over as the leader.A familiar Apple formula could be making a comebackWith John Ternus stepping in as CEO, things are changing again. He’s already been spending a lot of time with the industrial design team, getting up to speed before he officially takes over on September 1.Thing is, Ternus isn’t cut from the same cloth as Tim Cook. Where Cook’s world was all about operations and supply chains, Ternus has always been deep into product engineering and hardware. He’s got a soft spot for design. The report says he believes design is right at Apple’s core - and key to staying ahead. He even said, “the most beautifully designed thing that most customers own is an Apple product.” He wants to keep it that way.If Ternus gets his way, design won’t just be something Apple wraps around its tech at the last minute. It’ll be leading the charge, setting the tone for what the company builds from day one. For a brand built on blending technology and design, this could mean big changes - not just in how Apple’s gadgets look, but in how they feel to use.Apple's next generation of devices may offer the first cluesApple’s next lineup of devices will probably give us the first real hints about where the company’s headed. The timing of this reported shift matters, too - Apple’s gearing up for one of its boldest product cycles in a long time.People are buzzing about the first foldable iPhone. Other phone makers have played in this category for years, but Apple’s been holding back. Now, word is that Ternus might step into the spotlight as CEO by introducing this foldable iPhone at an upcoming launch event. That’s a big deal.Foldable phones aren’t easy. You have to juggle durability, design, software tweaks, and come up with ways to make the form really work. If there’s any spot where a stronger design vision can shine, it’s right here.More than a leadership changeBut Apple’s not stopping at just foldables. They’re looking across their whole line-up - hardware, user experience, you name it. If the new leadership pushes design even further, we’ll start to see that in everything, from the shape of the hardware to how the software feels.Looks like Apple isn’t just thinking about what products to build next. They’re also reworking how those products come together in the first place.It’s about more than just swapping out the CEO. Sure, leadership changes get people talking, but the real shift at Apple might come from inside its culture, not just its org chart.Over the last ten years, Apple made a name for itself by running an incredibly tight ship - think flawless supply chains and products that scale all over the globe. That stuff still matters. But now, the report hints that Ternus wants to bring back some of that bold, design-first thinking that made Apple stand out in the first place.If he pulls it off, people might remember this next era at Apple not just for who took the helm, but for how the company decided to approach building its products all over again.Frequently Asked Questions1. Why is John Ternus' reported approach attracting attention?Because the discussion is not only about leadership succession. The report suggests Ternus could reshape how product decisions are made inside Apple by giving design a stronger voice.2. What changed after Jony Ive left Apple?According to the report, oversight of the design organisation shifted to Jeff Williams, while operations and manufacturing functions gained greater influence within the company.3. Why is Apple's design culture considered important?Apple's most iconic products were developed during periods when design played a major role in shaping both hardware and software experiences.4. Could this affect Apple's foldable iPhone?Potentially. Foldable devices involve significant design and usability challenges, making them a category where stronger design leadership could have a major impact.5. What role has John Ternus played at Apple so far?Ternus has been closely associated with hardware engineering and product development, making him one of the most product-focused leaders within the company.6. Does this mean operations will become less important at Apple?Not necessarily. The report points to a possible rebalancing rather than a complete shift away from operational excellence.7. Why does this matter to consumers?Changes in internal priorities often influence the products companies build. A stronger focus on design could affect future Apple devices, features and user experiences.end of article