Over the weekend, bloomberg has released a detailed profile of Apple’s John Ternas, who many see as a likely candidate to become the company’s next CEO. The report also provides some interesting details about Ternus’ role in the development of the iPad.
John Tarnas drove the development of iPadOS so that software could match the capabilities of hardware.
Mark Garman writes: bloomberg:
In the early days of the iPad, Ternus argued that the same software platform as the iPhone didn’t take advantage of the tablet’s more powerful processor and larger screen, so the device’s hardware capabilities weren’t being utilized to their full potential. He pushed for a new operating system internally and eventually convinced Federighi to build it, giving the iPad some exciting productivity-enhancing features, including desktop-like multitasking capabilities. Ternus also helped develop iPad accessories such as the stylus and keyboard, as well as the magnetic charging and pairing system.
With Ternus’ leadership in hardware, it’s no surprise that he was influential in the development of the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard for the iPad.
What’s surprising is that Ternus was behind the biggest change in iPad software’s lifespan: the creation of iPadOS.
Because of its roots as essentially a larger iPhone, the iPad ran iOS for many years.
However, the creation of iPadOS brought with it a variety of new software features, and most recently, iPadOS 26 brings iPad software to par with its hardware capabilities.
Perhaps it’s a reflection of Apple’s collaborative environment that a hardware leader can have such a huge impact on software. And as a longtime iPad user, I’m excited to hear that Apple’s next CEO candidate has high standards for one of my favorite products.
What do you take away from this report? Let us know in the comments.
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