Apple's new chief executive, John Ternus, led the company's annual product showcase for the first time on Wednesday, offering the public its first real glimpse of the executive who has taken over from Tim Cook. The 25-year Apple veteran, previously head of hardware engineering, is expected to unveil major announcements including the company's first foldable iPhone, alongside upgrades to the iPhone and Apple Watch ranges, at the "Surprise and Shine" event in Cupertino, California.

Ternus, who has kept a low public profile despite his long tenure, told the audience he was inspired "every single day" by Apple's culture of innovation, following a light-hearted video introduction featuring Cook's voice. Analysts noted the symbolic weight of a new leader unveiling the foldable phone, seen as signalling a fresh era for the $4.5tn company, while cautioning that Ternus faces the dual challenge of maintaining Cook's commercial success and charting a distinct technological vision beyond smartphones.