Apple is ramping up its succession planning for CEO Tim Cook, according to a report from the Financial Times. The board and senior executives are reportedly intensifying efforts to prepare for Cook's eventual departure, with John Ternus, the Senior VP of Hardware Engineering, being the frontrunner for the role. However, no official decision has been finalized yet. The timing of these preparations does not relate to Apple's current performance. Sources indicate that the transition is part of a long-term strategy, not a response to any immediate issues, especially with expectations of strong sales for the iPhone as the year ends. An announcement regarding the new CEO is unlikely before Apple's earnings report in late January, which will reflect the critical holiday sales period. This news follows the recent retirement of former COO Jeff Williams, who had transitioned his operational duties to Sabih Khan earlier in the year. Additionally, Apple recently changed its CFO, with Luca Maestri stepping down and Kevan Parekh taking over the financial leadership. These shifts suggest a broader restructuring at the top levels of Apple's management.