Apple has announced that Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams will retire at the end of 2025, with Vice President of Operations Sabih Khan set to take over the role later this month as part of what the company describes as a “long-planned succession.”

Williams, who was widely considered a potential successor to CEO Tim Cook, will conclude a 27-year career at Apple that included overseeing the development of iconic products, including the iPod, iPhone, and Apple Watch.

Williams, often referred to as “Tim Cook’s Tim Cook” due to his operational expertise and close working relationship with the CEO, was appointed COO in 2015 and became instrumental in Apple’s expansion into health technology.

He will continue overseeing the company’s design team and health initiatives until his retirement, including involvement in a rumoured AI-powered health coach feature for the Health app expected to launch next year, according to Bloomberg reports.

Khan, who has spent 30 years at Apple and became VP of operations in 2019, currently leads Apple’s global supply chain, responsible for producing more than 200 million iPhones annually.

His promotion comes as the company faces new challenges from potential trade tensions between the United States and China under the Trump administration, making supply chain management increasingly critical to Apple’s operations.

The leadership transition will also impact Apple’s design organisation, which has reported to Williams since the departure of design chief Evans Hankey in 2023.

Following Williams’ retirement, the design team will report directly to CEO Tim Cook, centralising creative oversight under the company’s top executive.

Williams joined Apple in 1998 and played a crucial role in building the company’s supply chain capabilities that enabled its transformation from a niche computer maker to the world’s most valuable company.

He “led the effort on Apple Watch over a decade ago and architected the company’s health strategy,” according to Apple’s announcement, positioning the company as a major player in consumer health technology.

“Working with all of the amazing people at this company has been a privilege of a lifetime, and I can’t thank Tim enough for the opportunity, his inspirational leadership, and our friendship over the years,” Williams said in the company’s press release.

“June marked my 27th anniversary with Apple, and my 40th in the industry. Beginning next year, I plan to spend more time with friends and family, including five grandchildren and counting.”

Williams’ departure removes one of the most prominent internal candidates for eventual CEO succession, leaving hardware engineering chief John Ternus and software engineering leader Craig Federighi as other potential candidates to eventually replace Cook.

The succession planning reflects Apple’s focus on maintaining operational continuity as the company navigates an increasingly complex global technology landscape.

Khan’s appointment represents continuity in Apple’s operational approach, given his extensive experience managing the company’s complex global manufacturing and supply chain relationships.

His leadership will be tested as Apple continues expanding its product portfolio while managing geopolitical challenges that could impact manufacturing and component sourcing strategies.

The timing of the announcement underscores Apple’s commitment to planned leadership transitions rather than reactive changes, reflecting the company’s emphasis on long-term strategic planning and organisational stability that has characterised its approach under Cook’s leadership since taking over from co-founder Steve Jobs in 2011.