Apple's old guard exits as Phil Schiller steps down from App Store role

Apple executive leadership is seeing its biggest transition in over a decade as long-time leaders head for the exits.

Bloomberg reported Monday that Phil Schiller is stepping down as head of the App Store. Schiller, who joined Apple in 1987, will become an Apple Fellow while 14-year veteran Carson Oliver takes over daily operations. The App Store will also shift from marketing to Eddy Cue's services division. The move follows a wave of executive exits, including COO Jeff Williams, Apple Pay head Jennifer Bailey, and Vision Pro VP Paul Meade.

Why it matters: New CEO John Ternus takes over during a massive leadership reshuffle. He must rebuild Apple's senior ranks while navigating App Store legal battles and hardware team downsizing.

Know this: Schiller guided the App Store through Epic Games' 2020 antitrust lawsuit. Judges dismissed the monopoly claims, but Apple was still ordered to let developers link to outside payment options.

The house Tim Cook built is getting a brand-new executive suite.