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Folding iPhone widely expected at annual product event, as Ternus steps into role leading $4.5tn company
John Ternus, Apple's new CEO, helmed the company's annual showcase of new iPhones and other products on Wednesday. It was the first time the public got a feel for the executive, who is filling the shoes of Tim Cook and his predecessor, Steve Jobs, at the $4.5tn tech giant.
The event kicked off with a video montage of characters describing the best way to start a movie, from a getaway scene to a closeup of a woman revealing her true identity, before the well-known voice of Cook piped in.
Apple is one of the world's most valuable companies, and its annual September product event typically sets the agenda for the consumer electronics industry. The transition from Tim Cook to John Ternus represents only the third CEO change in Apple's modern history, following Steve Jobs's return and Cook's 14-year run. Ternus, who previously oversaw hardware engineering, now steps into the spotlight.
Apple enthusiasts: Many will be watching closely to see if Ternus brings a different feel to the polished keynote presentations, and whether new product categories emerge. Investors: The market will assess Ternus's ability to maintain Apple's growth trajectory and margins, particularly with a potential folding iPhone that could carry a premium price point. Critics: Skeptics question whether a folding iPhone can offer meaningful durability advantages over existing foldables and whether Apple is late to the category.