Steve Jobs vs. John Ternus: The Porsche 911 Story at Apple 2026

Steve Jobs and John Ternus share a passion for Porsche, but their approaches to luxury cars reveal a striking difference in how Apple executives manage their public image. The story of Jobs hiding his Porsche 911 from investor Ross Perot, contrasted with Ternus's exclusive Porsche, highlights a shift in Apple's culture and the personal choices of its leaders.

The Steve Jobs Porsche 911 Incident

In the late 1980s, after being ousted from Apple, Steve Jobs founded NeXT and was seeking funding. He arranged a visit from billionaire investor Ross Perot, who was considering investing in the new company. Jobs, ever the perfectionist, wanted to make the right impression.

According to accounts from Applesfera, Jobs ran to the office of his colleague Randy Adams, who owned a similar Porsche 911, and urged him to hide the cars. "Randy, we need to hide the Porsches," Jobs said, fearing that Perot would think they had too much money and were not in need of investment. This anecdote illustrates Jobs's meticulous attention to detail and his understanding of perception in business dealings.

John Ternus's Exclusive Porsche

Nearly four decades later, another high-ranking Apple executive, John Ternus, also has a Porsche in his garage—but not just any Porsche. Ternus, Apple's Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, is known for his love of cars, and his Porsche is a rare and exclusive model that he reportedly doesn't even use for his daily commute to Apple Park.

While the exact model isn't specified, the contrast with Jobs is clear: Ternus's Porsche is a statement of success and exclusivity, not something to be hidden. This reflects a different era for Apple, where executives are more open about their wealth and the company's success is celebrated rather than downplayed.

Why the Contrast Matters

The difference between Jobs and Ternus isn't just about the cars themselves, but about the culture of Apple and the expectations placed on its leaders. Jobs was famously private about his personal wealth, often portraying himself as a humble visionary focused on changing the world. Ternus, on the other hand, is part of a new generation of Apple executives who are more transparent about their lifestyles.

This shift mirrors broader changes in the tech industry, where executives are increasingly seen as celebrities and their personal lives are subject to public scrutiny. The Porsche, a symbol of German engineering and luxury, becomes a lens through which we can view the evolution of Silicon Valley's elite.

The Legacy of Porsche in Tech

Porsche has long been a favorite among tech billionaires, from Bill Gates to Steve Jobs. The brand's blend of performance and design appeals to those who value precision and innovation—qualities that are also central to Apple's identity.

Jobs's affection for the Porsche 911 is well-documented; he owned several over the years and even had a famous encounter with a parking attendant who refused to let him park in a handicapped spot. The car represented freedom and speed for Jobs, but also a potential liability when it came to business negotiations.

Ternus's choice of an exclusive Porsche suggests a similar appreciation for the brand's heritage, but with a modern twist. In today's world, where Apple's success is undeniable, there's less need to hide one's wealth. Instead, executives like Ternus can embrace their passions openly, knowing that their achievements speak for themselves.

What This Means for Apple's Image

Apple has always been a company that values image and perception. From its minimalist product design to its carefully curated marketing, every detail matters. The personal choices of its executives, therefore, can reflect on the company as a whole. The background to this story is set out in John Ternus: Apple's Next CEO and His Vision for the Future. A related thread runs through Apple CEO John Ternus Takes Stage at Annual Showcase. Earlier coverage in Tim Cook to Step Down, John Ternus Named New Apple CEO shows how the argument developed.

Jobs's decision to hide his Porsche was a calculated move to present NeXT as a lean startup in need of investment. Ternus's open ownership of a rare Porsche, on the other hand, reinforces Apple's status as a mature, successful company that rewards its top talent. Both approaches serve a purpose, but they highlight different stages in Apple's journey. A closer look at the same subject appears in iPhone 17 Pro Steve Jobs Edition: Caviar makes it collectible with just 9 pieces. Anyone following the wider picture can start with 13-Year-Old Hero Calls 911 After Michigan Shooting Rampage. The same theme surfaces in Car: latest articles, which takes a different angle.

As Apple continues to evolve, the contrast between Jobs and Ternus serves as a reminder of how far the company has come. The Porsche, once a symbol to be concealed, is now a badge of honor—a testament to the success that Jobs helped build. Context on how this played out before sits in Chinese Hybrid Cars Reshape Spain's Auto Market in 2026.

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