Apple's new CEO, John Ternus, leads a financially robust company with a vast user base, yet is an AI laggard. While relying on Google for some AI, Apple is now investing heavily in acquisitions and R&D for its own AI chips and services. Its design mastery and device ecosystem offer an edge for on-device AI. However, challenges like a slowing upgrade cycle, antitrust issues, and privacy concerns persist. Ternus must prove Apple's AI strategy can yield profits while maintaining financial discipline and adapting its innovative core to the AI era.