Phil Schiller is stepping down from his role overseeing the App Store and events at Apple, a change that touches two of the company's most visible operations.
The App Store and events portfolio
The App Store is the digital marketplace where people buy apps for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. It's where developers sell their software and where Apple takes a cut of each sale. Events are the launch presentations where the company shows off new products — the keynotes that draw attention from developers, customers, and the press.
Schiller's role put him in charge of both. That made him a central figure in how Apple handles its relationship with app developers and how it presents new hardware and software to the public.
A leadership gap
The departure leaves a hole in Apple's management. The company hasn't named a successor or said when the change takes effect. It also hasn't said whether Schiller will stay at Apple in another capacity.
That's a lot of open questions for a role this big. The App Store has been a core part of Apple's business for years, and events are how the company builds momentum around each new product cycle.
What's still unknown
Apple hasn't explained what prompted the move. No timeline has been given. The company hasn't said who will take over the App Store and events duties, or what Schiller does next.
Until Apple fills the role, the transition remains an open question.
