Apple is undergoing further leadership shifts as long-serving executives begin transitioning into advisory roles while grooming successors. Wei Chen and John Zhong—both veteran display tech figures at Apple—are stepping down from their leadership posts after over three decades, shifting into advisory capacities. Elements of their responsibilities have already been passed along, particularly to Victor Yin, who has been preparing to inherit parts of their portfolios.
Who’s Moving Up
As senior figures transition toward retirement, Apple is promoting internally across key connectivity and communications divisions. Rajesh Ambati, Louie Sanguinetti, and Derek Shaeffer have all been elevated to vice president roles. Their backgrounds straddle both software and hardware responsibility within fields essential to device-to-device and internet connectivity. Specifically, Sanguinetti has a track record as an “Apple lifer” steeped in wireless hardware.
The reshuffle comes in tandem with broader structural changes under CEO John Ternus, who assumed the role on September 1, 2026. These are not simply the result of annual promotion cycles; many changes—including a promotion at Apple’s mergers team leadership—happened shortly after Ternus stepped into his role.
Why Now?
Chen and Zhong have been with Apple for more than 30 years, working in display technologies. Chen has already headed Touch ID since 2023 following his predecessor’s retirement. Their move to advisory roles is designed to ensure institutional knowledge stays within Apple while allowing fresh leadership to take on future-facing roles. Through long-term mentorship, Yin has been closely involved and is expected to absorb portions of their work.
Leadership changes among vice presidents in connectivity address the growing importance of wireless and networking technologies. With Apple’s devices becoming more intertwined and dependent on robust communication systems—whether for wearables, smart home, or IoT—the skills and insight of engineers who bridge hardware and software are increasingly critical.
This reorganization aligns with earlier moves tied to Ternus’s promotion. In April 2026, Apple announced that Tim Cook would become executive chairman and that John Ternus, previously senior vice president of hardware engineering, would assume the CEO post beginning September 1.
Chen’s replacement of his now-retired predecessor at Touch ID in 2023, along with these recent adjustments, signal Apple’s steady path toward leadership renewal while maintaining operational continuity during the Ternus era.
These shifts suggest Apple is balancing legacy and innovation—retiring tradition while pushing up a new generation with cross-disciplinary skill sets. As Ternus sets his mark on the company, these role changes could affect product roadmaps and internal R&D focus going forward.
What this means:These executive transitions aren’t merely cosmetic. Apple is deepening its bench in display and connectivity technologies just when hardware-software integration and device connectivity are driving consumer expectations. With Ternus at the helm, expect more internal promotions and advisory handovers. What to watch next: the products shaped by these new leaders (especially in display and connectivity) and how quickly they affect Apple’s output in wearables, Macs, and beyond.
