Daijiworld Media Network – Cupertino

Cupertino, Jul 9: In a major leadership shakeup at Apple Inc., longtime Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams is set to retire, marking the exit of one of the company’s most influential figures. Apple confirmed on Tuesday that Williams will step down as COO this month and retire from the company later this year.

Until his departure, the 62-year-old executive will continue to oversee the design team and manage Apple’s health initiatives. Sabih Khan, a 30-year veteran at Apple and current Senior Vice President of Operations, will take over as the new COO. The company also announced that the design team will now report directly to CEO Tim Cook.

Khan, who has been managing Apple’s vast global supply chain since 2019, is expected to add divisions such as AppleCare to his portfolio. He will report directly to Cook and is described as a disciplined operator in the mold of the CEO.

Williams, who joined Apple in 1998, has long been Cook’s right-hand man, having played a pivotal role in building the company’s massive supply chain, overseeing Apple Watch engineering, and leading the AppleCare division. Though once considered a potential successor to Cook, Williams’ age and plans for early retirement altered those expectations. Apple’s hardware chief John Ternus is now seen as the likely heir apparent to Cook.

“Jeff’s importance and contributions to Apple have been enormous, although perhaps not always obvious to the general public,” said Tony Blevins, a former Apple executive. CEO Tim Cook added, “Jeff’s true legacy can be seen in the amazing team he’s created... he leaves the work of the future in incredible hands.”

The leadership change comes amid mounting challenges for Apple, including slowing iPhone growth, rising tariff pressures, global regulatory scrutiny, and stiff competition in artificial intelligence. The company is also shifting manufacturing from China to India and exploring new technologies like robotics in its production lines.

Khan, who has so far maintained a low public profile, is expected to take on a more visible role as COO. Internally, insiders believe his deputy, Priya Balasubramaniam, will assume greater responsibility in managing supply chain operations.

Williams’ retirement is part of a broader generational shift at Apple, following the recent exits or transitions of key executives including Dan Riccio, Phil Schiller, and Jony Ive. With most of Apple’s top brass approaching retirement age, the company is preparing for a sweeping leadership transition in the years ahead.