In what has been describe as “ the swelled direction reorganisation at Apple since the Steve Jobs putsch that carry off Gil Amelio in 1997 ” Apple ’s CEO Tim Cook is said to have fired Scott Forstall , depict as an unpopular face at Apple , and held responsible for the catastrophe that was iOS 6 Maps , and the still in beta , inadequate Siri .
While Apple ’s press liberation claim that the management changes would “ encourage even more collaboration ” at Apple , source claim Forstall ( and retail header John Browett ) were fired , according to a New York Timesreport .
As we reported at the time of the Apple Maps fiasco , as senior vice chair of Io Software , ScottForstall was creditworthy for Maps . It appears that despite heading up the division , Forstall was n’t prepared to take responsibility when things went wrong , however . Reports today are claiming that Forstall turn down to sign the letter of apology for Apple Maps that was published in September . Forstall sack critique of Maps and news report of problems as “ exaggerated ” , grant to New York Times sources .
Instead Cook sign up the excuse missive to Apple customers over maps .
Forstall ’s refusal to bless is read to be the mistake that sources are claiming steer to his departure from Apple . As Fortuneputs it , his refusal to sign “ Sealed his destiny ” at Apple .
Unpopular execs and infighting at Apple
Further account have appeared over the past few calendar month take that Forstall was not popular with the other Apple executives leading toin - combat at Apple . In particular hisrelationship with Jony Ivewas say to be so bad the two executives would not sit in the same meeting elbow room together , concord to New York Times sources .
As a resultant , it appears the mode of people at Apple is “ mostly convinced ” about Forstall ’s departure . “ This was good than the Giants make headway the World Series , ” tell one New York Times source . “ People are really excited . ”
Scott Forstall was pop with later CEO Steve Jobs however , and the two are said to have had much in vernacular – it has even previously been intimate thatForstall could be the next Steve Jobs . Forstall has been described as “ a sharp , down - to - earth , and gifted locomotive engineer , and a more - than - enough donor ” ( he is say to have discipline as an role player ) . Forstall had solve for just two party in his career , both establish by Steve Jobs : Next and Apple .
Perhaps Apple decide it was time to sort out out its own stormy relationships at a time when everyone ’s aid was on another storm . It has been suggested that Apple was taking vantage of the fact that the New York Stock Exchange is shut out due to Hurricane Sandy . Some might suggest it was a good sentence for Apple to air its pestiferous washing and attempt to get its enactment together .
What does the future hold for Apple?
Apple is n’t looking for a lineal replacement for Forstall , rather his responsibilities will be partake among other Apple executives .
Senior frailty President of the United States of Internet Software and Services Eddy Cue is to take over leadership of Apple Maps and Siri . luck account Cue as “ Apple ’s Mr. Fix - it , ” noting that he scavenge up and eventually bolt down MobileMe too .
Senior vice president of industrial design Jonathan I ve will take on package responsibleness , providing “ leading and direction for Human Interface , ” according to Apple .
Vice President of Mac Software Engineering Craig Federighi will take on the leading of iOS .
Recentlyunretired Bob Mansfieldwill superintend “ wireless applied science ” . Fortune remark that : “ It does not paint a picture that Cook ’s hands are firmly on the steering bike when a veteran executive announces his retirement , only to be placed in a critical role supervise initiatives key to the ship’s company ’s future . ”
Cook himself is say to be take responsibility for the retail partition while he looks for a replacement for Browett . Cook is said to be an expert in supplying strand management , but has meet with some issues latterly with fresh suppliers being ineffectual to run into demand for newfangled products such as the iPhone 5 .
As for Forstall , he is survive to remain an advisor to Cook until “ next yr , ” concord to Apple ’s press release . However , this is intended to keep Forstall from telephone up Samsung , speculates Fortune .
Forstall may have seen it coming . Back in May he cashed in 95 % of his Apple stock deserving $ 38.7 million . The shares were the cadaver of a retention bonus deed over to Forstall in 2008 .
Related :
In - fighting at Apple claim as ‘ truth behind Mansfield ’s surrender ’ emerges , report
Apple tonicity down Maps endorsement on website , digit indicate to iOS VP Scott Forstall
