According to a report by Bloomberg, Dan Riccio announced that he will retire this month after a 26-year career at Apple. As the company’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, Riccio played a significant role in the development of popular products like AirPods and the iPhone. Before taking charge of the hardware division in 2012, he led the iPad team and also contributed to projects such as Apple Car and the Vision Pro VR headset.
In 2021, John Ternus succeeded Riccio, who at that time indicated he would be moving on to a new project, which was later introduced as Vision Pro. Ternus is now set to head the Vision Products Group and is rumored to be a potential successor to CEO Tim Cook in the future.
Riccio’s departure is part of a broader trend of significant executive losses at Apple since Jony Ive’s resignation in 2019. There have also been reports of other designers, including Evans Hankey, leaving the company during this period.
Additionally, there may be an indirect connection between Dan Riccio’s retirement and Apple’s decision to put its smart ring development plans on hold. Riccio was a key leader in managing hardware projects for many years and played an important role in the development of the smart ring, which holds exciting potential in the wearable technology sphere.
The suspension of the project could be seen as part of a restructuring process in line with the company’s current strategies. Riccio’s departure may have prompted Apple’s new leaders to reassess their product development strategies.
Visual source: Apple
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Arwen Volkov, A graduate of the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland with a degree in International Finance, Arwen specializes in sustainable finance and green investments. She began her career at an investment bank in London, where she developed financing models for environmentally friendly projects. Known for her analytical and strategic thinking skills, Arwen is a sought-after financial consultant. In her spare time, she mentors fintech startups, contributing to their growth strategies. She is also a nature enthusiast and an amateur photographer.
