Apple Inc. is undergoing a significant transformation as Chief Operating Officer (COO) Jeff Williams prepares to retire at the end of 2025. Williams, who has been instrumental in shaping Apple’s operational strategies and product innovations, will pass the baton to Sabih Khan, the current Senior Vice President of Operations. This transition marks a pivotal moment in Apple’s leadership, prompting a comprehensive reassignment of key responsibilities within the company.
Jeff Williams’ Legacy at Apple
Joining Apple in 1998 as the head of Worldwide Procurement, Jeff Williams quickly ascended the corporate ladder, becoming COO in 2015. Over his nearly three-decade tenure, Williams has been a driving force behind several of Apple’s landmark products, including the iPod, iPhone, and Apple Watch. His oversight extended to Apple’s global supply chain, ensuring efficient production and distribution processes that have been critical to the company’s success. Williams also played a pivotal role in Apple’s health initiatives, spearheading projects like ResearchKit, which aims to simplify medical and health research. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Williams_%28Apple%29?utm_source=openai))
Transition of Leadership Roles
As Williams steps down, Apple has strategically realigned its executive roles to maintain continuity and drive future growth:
– Sabih Khan as COO: With a 30-year tenure at Apple, Sabih Khan has been appointed as the new COO. Since 2019, Khan has served as the Senior Vice President of Operations, overseeing Apple’s global supply chain, manufacturing, logistics, and product fulfillment. His extensive experience positions him well to lead Apple’s operational strategies moving forward. ([nasdaq.com](https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/apple-coo-jeff-williams-retire-sabih-khan-steps-amid-strategic-leadership-shift?utm_source=openai))
– Eddy Cue Takes Over Health and Fitness: Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, will now oversee the Health and Fitness divisions. This move aligns with Apple’s broader strategy to integrate health services into its digital offerings, potentially paving the way for the launch of Health+, an AI-driven health coaching service anticipated in 2026. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/10/10/jeff-williams-prepares-for-retirement-passes-health-fitness-watch-responsibilities-on?utm_source=openai))
– Craig Federighi to Lead watchOS: Craig Federighi, Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, will assume responsibility for watchOS, Apple’s smartwatch operating system. This transition underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing the software capabilities of the Apple Watch, ensuring it remains a leader in the wearable technology market. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/10/10/jeff-williams-prepares-for-retirement-passes-health-fitness-watch-responsibilities-on?utm_source=openai))
Additional Executive Shifts
In conjunction with these changes, Apple has implemented further adjustments to its leadership structure:
– Sumbul Desai’s Expanded Role: Dr. Sumbul Desai will now oversee both the Health and Fitness teams, reporting directly to Eddy Cue. Desai has been instrumental in developing health-related features for Apple products, including the ECG function and various health studies associated with the Apple Watch. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/10/10/jeff-williams-prepares-for-retirement-passes-health-fitness-watch-responsibilities-on?utm_source=openai))
– John Ternus and Apple Watch Hardware: John Ternus, Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, will take full responsibility for Apple Watch hardware. This consolidation aims to streamline the development process and foster innovation within the hardware division. ([tuaw.com](https://www.tuaw.com/2025/07/14/apple-reshuffles-executive-roles-ahead-of-jeff-williams-departure/?utm_source=openai))
– Design Leadership Reporting to Tim Cook: Following Williams’ departure, the design team will report directly to CEO Tim Cook. Vice Presidents Alan Dye and Molly Anderson will continue to lead Human Interface and Industrial Design, respectively, ensuring that Apple’s design philosophy remains at the forefront of its product development. ([tuaw.com](https://www.tuaw.com/2025/07/14/apple-reshuffles-executive-roles-ahead-of-jeff-williams-departure/?utm_source=openai))
Implications for Apple’s Future
These leadership transitions reflect Apple’s proactive approach to succession planning and its commitment to maintaining a robust executive team. By redistributing responsibilities among seasoned leaders, Apple aims to sustain its trajectory of innovation and market leadership. The integration of health services into the broader Services division, under Eddy Cue’s leadership, signifies a strategic emphasis on expanding Apple’s digital health offerings. Similarly, entrusting watchOS to Craig Federighi highlights the company’s focus on enhancing the software experience of its wearable devices.
As Apple navigates this period of change, the company’s ability to adapt and evolve its leadership structure will be crucial in addressing emerging challenges and seizing new opportunities in the technology landscape.
