Srouji divides Apple's hardware team into 5 areas Apfelpatient

In an internal email on Monday, Johny Srouji outlined how he plans to structure Apple's expanded hardware organization. The merger of Hardware Engineering and Hardware Technologies will be divided into five clearly defined areas of responsibility – all led by long-time Apple veterans.

With the promotion of Johny Srouji to Chief Hardware Officer, Apple has merged two previously separate areas: Hardware Engineering, formerly headed by John Ternus, and Hardware Technologies, which Srouji himself led. Now, initial details have emerged about the internal structure. Bloomberg has published an internal memo in which Srouji explains the future organization to his employees.

Srouji divides the combined hardware organization into five core areas, each led by an experienced Apple manager. Remarkably, four of the five leaders have been with Apple for 17 to 21 years. Only one joined in 2019 – interestingly, the head of hardware engineering. This composition demonstrates continuity while simultaneously promoting targeted development.

Apple: The five areas at a glance

Hardware engineering will be handled by Tom Marieb, who joined Apple from Intel in 2019. He will be responsible for the actual hardware development of the products – from the iPhone and Mac to Apple Glass. Apple's appointment of a former Intel manager to this key position sends a clear signal: Apple is willing to seek external expertise when needed.

Apple Silicon is headed by Sri Santhanam, an 18-year Apple veteran. The division encompasses Apple Silicon – the complete chip development from the A and M series to the specialized chips for the Apple Watch and Apple Vision Pro. Santhanam thus takes over one of the most technically demanding areas of the entire company.

Advanced Technologies is headed by Zongjian Chen, who has been with Apple for 17 years. This division is expected to bring together future technologies – from new display processes and battery innovations to sensors and materials research. It's the part of the hardware that isn't yet in products today, but lays the foundation for what Apple will introduce in three to five years.

Platform Architecture is led by Tim Millet, a 21-year Apple veteran. This team is responsible for the overarching architectural strategy – ensuring that Apple chips, sensors, displays, and operating systems function as a cohesive whole. Given the growing importance of Apple Intelligence and AI capabilities, this area is more crucial than ever.

Project management is handled by Donny Nordhues, who has been with Apple for 20 years. The role is less glamorous, but crucial: it coordinates the enormous number of hardware projects running simultaneously – from the iPhone Ultra and the MacBook Ultra to the next Apple Watch refresh.

Srouji's message to his team

In his memo, Srouji writes that he is excited to bring the teams together and integrate them more closely. Apple has a "very exciting roadmap" ahead, and in his opinion, there is no limit to what the team can achieve together.

Also of interest is a comment about John Ternus: Cook made "the absolute best choice" for his successor. Anyone who has worked closely with Ternus knows how thoughtful and competent he is. This assessment from within Apple's inner circle of leadership underscores that the selection has broad support within the executive team.

What this structure reveals

The five-area structure primarily demonstrates one thing: Apple now manages an enormous level of technical complexity that can no longer be overseen by a single individual. The clear separation between Engineering (current products), Silicon (chips), Advanced Technologies (future), Platform Architecture (integration), and Project Management (coordination) reflects a professionalized organizational chart.

At the same time, continuity is maintained. Four out of five department heads are long-time Apple employees who know the company and its culture. The fact that Srouji, as Chief Hardware Officer, bears overall responsibility—and has himself been with Apple since 2008—ensures a consistent direction. Anyone hoping for radical changes in Apple's hardware strategy should adjust their expectations accordingly.

The new structure is effective immediately. Srouji assumed the role of Chief Hardware Officer on the day of the announcement, while Ternus will officially take office as CEO on September 1, 2026. (Image: Shutterstock / NorthSky Films)