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Phil Schiller Steps Down as App Store Head, Citing Strategic Concerns
Longtime Apple executive Phil Schiller is stepping down as head of the App Store, with reports linking the move to concerns over new CEO John Ternus’ plans to boost recurring revenue from the marketplace. Schiller will remain at Apple as an Apple Fellow.
Phil Schiller will remain at Apple as an Apple Fellow, working on unspecified projects, after stepping down from his post as the company's App Store chief. His departure was motivated partly by a wish to devote more time to his family and philanthropy.
The move also reflects misgivings about the strategic direction under new CEO John Ternus. Ternus and services chief Eddy Cue are reportedly pushing to improve App Store margins and generate more recurring revenue from the platform.
Schiller is said to have concluded that pressing for greater profits from the App Store would increase conflict with governments and app developers. Apple's commission system has already drawn developer criticism and sparked several major lawsuits.
According to the report, there was no heated clash over the strategy; rather, Schiller chose to step down to avoid being involved in implementing a plan he disagreed with.