Apple CEO Ternus: Apple won't ship AI for AI's sake
In a 30-minute Wired interview, John Ternus said users should not need to care whether a feature is powered by AI or conventional software.
Apple CEO John Ternus said Apple does not want to ship AI just for the sake of AI, in a 30-minute interview with Wired published on October 30, 2026, according to aitimes.com. Ternus said he is very happy with Apple's current position on AI.
He added that if Apple does things right, users should not need to care whether a feature is powered by AI or conventional software. The remark places the company's messaging around the technology rather than its underlying model.
Ternus acknowledged that AI agents replacing existing apps could make life more convenient, but said making products is a deeply human and personal activity that Apple loves.
The interview followed an Apple event where the company unveiled its first touchscreen MacBook Pro.
An evolving position on AI
In April 2026, Ternus told Tom's Guide that Apple does not think in terms of shipping technology but in terms of using technology to deliver great products and experiences. After succeeding Tim Cook as CEO in September 2026, he presented the iPhone as a "personal AI hub" at his first product announcement. Also in October 2026, a Time interview quoted him saying Apple does not need to build every element of its products itself, addressing the company's use of Google Gemini for Siri AI.
Quick answers
What did Apple CEO John Ternus say about AI in the Wired interview?
He said Apple does not want to ship AI just for the sake of AI and that he is very happy with Apple's current position on AI.
When was the Wired interview with John Ternus conducted?
Shortly after an Apple event where the company unveiled its first touchscreen MacBook Pro, and it was reported on October 30, 2026.
What did Ternus say about AI agents replacing apps?
He acknowledged they could make life more convenient but said making products is a deeply human and personal activity Apple loves.