Apple appears to be entering another phase of transition as more leadership retirements loom on the horizon. Over the past year, the company has already seen two of its top executives—Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri and Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams—step back from their long-held positions. Their departures mark the beginning of what seems to be a broader shift in Apple’s leadership structure.
Maestri officially left his role as CFO in 2024, with Kevan Parekh stepping into the position. Although Maestri remains at Apple as Vice President of Corporate Services, his role has become increasingly limited. Williams, meanwhile, began his retirement process in mid-2025, transferring most operational duties to Sabih Khan. He continues to provide input on design-related matters, but his influence is gradually waning as Apple prepares for the next generation of leaders.
According to reporting from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, more senior executives could follow suit soon. The next major retirement may occur by the end of 2025 or early 2026, though no names have been officially confirmed. Still, speculation points to Apple’s veteran leadership team—Greg Joswiak, Eddy Cue, and Sabih Khan—all of whom are nearing traditional retirement age.
These changes underscore Apple’s ongoing challenge: maintaining continuity while ushering in new leadership. CEO Tim Cook acknowledged in 2021 that he did not plan to lead the company indefinitely, hinting that he, too, might step down within the decade. This acknowledgment places even greater emphasis on developing strong successors and ensuring a seamless transfer of knowledge and vision.
Apple has taken a measured approach to these transitions, staggering retirements to avoid disruption. This strategy helps preserve institutional memory while allowing newer executives to grow into their roles. Though leadership changes naturally bring uncertainty, they also present opportunities for innovation and renewed energy within the company.
As Apple stands at this crossroads, the question is not just who will take the reins but how the company will evolve under a new generation of leadership. The coming years will test Apple’s ability to balance its storied legacy with the need for fresh perspectives—an evolution that could define its next great chapter.