Scott Forstall, who has run software development for Apple's iPad and iPhone products, and John Browett, the head of the company's retail operations, are leaving Apple, in a rare management shake-up at the company.
The departure of Mr. Forstall, an Apple veteran, will shift his responsibilities to several other Apple executives. Most notably, Eddy Cue, the head of Apple's Internet services, will take over development of Siri and maps, two efforts Mr. Forstall oversaw that have been widely criticized for their reliability and accuracy.
Apple said in a news release that the management changes would “encourage even more collaboration†at the company. Mr. Forstall will leave Apple next year and serve as an advisor to Tim Cook, the chief executive, in the meantime.
Jony Ive, the head of Apple's industrial design, will take on more software responsibilities by providing more “leadership and direction for Human Interface,†Apple said. Craig Federighi, who was previously in charge of Apple's Mac software development, will also lead development of iOS, the software for iPads and iPhones.
The departure of Mr. Browett, who only joined Apple in April to lead its retail operations, followed a number of missteps by him. In August, Apple took the unusual step of apologizing for a plan to cut back on staffing at its stores. Apple said a search for a new head of retail is underway and that the retail team will report directly to Mr. Cook.
