Apple's Visionary Shift: Dan Riccio Retires, Passing the Torch to John Ternus
Dan Riccio, a long-time veteran at Apple, is set to retire, marking a significant change in the company’s management team. Riccio has been instrumental in overseeing the development of Apple's mixed-reality headset, Vision Pro, while also serving as the hardware engineering chief.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Riccio, who reported directly to CEO Tim Cook, will leave the company this month. The Vision Products Group, comprising thousands of engineers focused on headsets and related technologies, has been informed that Apple's head of hardware, John Ternus, will assume Riccio's responsibilities.
Insiders, opting to remain anonymous due to the confidentiality of the discussions, revealed that Mike Rockwell, Riccio's current deputy, will continue to manage the day-to-day operations of the Vision Products Group. Apple declined to comment on these developments.
Riccio's departure marks one of the most noteworthy personnel changes within Apple's management circle, a transition that has been in progress for some time. Three years ago, he stepped down from the executive team to become a vice president, signaling his eventual move towards retirement.
During his 26-year tenure at Apple, Riccio became known for his sometimes abrasive approach and controversial decisions. Nonetheless, he made significant contributions by hiring key employees and encouraging strategic acquisitions, leading to the creation of pivotal new products. His leadership was pivotal in overseeing some of Apple's most daring ventures, including the development of the Vision Pro headset and the ultimately unsuccessful car project.