The Most Promising Apple CEO Candidate Has Left, With Sabih Khan Now in Charge of COO — What’s Next?

Apple announced on Tuesday that Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams, a 27-year company veteran and long considered the most promising internal candidate to succeed Tim Cook as CEO, will retire later this year.

Williams, 62, has played a critical role in shaping Apple’s global supply chain and led major projects including the launch and development of the Apple Watch, Apple’s health initiatives, and the company’s industrial design efforts following the departure of Jony Ive in 2019. For the remainder of his time at Apple, Williams will continue overseeing these areas, reporting directly to CEO Tim Cook.

“Jeff has helped to create one of the most respected global supply chains in the world; launched Apple Watch and overseen its development; architected Apple’s health strategy; and led our world-class team of designers with great wisdom, heart, and dedication,” said Cook in a statement. Williams noted that he plans to spend more time with family and friends after a 40-year career in the tech industry, including 27 years at Apple.

As part of a long-planned succession, Apple announced that Sabih Khan will assume much of the COO responsibilities later this month. Khan, who joined Apple in 1995 after working as an engineer and technical leader at GE Plastics, has been part of Apple’s executive team since 2019. He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in economics and mechanical engineering from Tufts University and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Jeff Williams and Sabih Khan

Khan is now tasked with leading Apple’s operations, which include supply chain, product quality, planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and fulfillment. His leadership comes at a time when Apple faces mounting challenges both internally and externally. The company is under growing pressure from the U.S. government to shift manufacturing out of China and India to the U.S., or face increasing tariffs. Additionally, Apple has been criticized for delays in rolling out key AI features like the generative AI-enhanced Siri — a delay that has even led to legal complaints from disappointed iPhone 16 customers.

Despite the timing, Cook emphasized that Khan’s promotion is part of a carefully planned leadership transition. “Sabih is a brilliant strategist who has been one of the central architects of Apple’s supply chain. He has helped pioneer advanced manufacturing technologies, overseen the expansion of our U.S. footprint, and led efforts that have reduced Apple’s carbon footprint by more than 60 percent,” Cook said. “Above all, Sabih leads with heart and values. I know he will make an exceptional chief operating officer.”

Williams also praised Khan, saying, “I think he’s the most talented operations executive on the planet. I have tremendous confidence in Apple’s future under his leadership in this role.”

While the spotlight is currently on Khan's appointment, investors are increasingly turning their attention to the bigger question: when will Tim Cook step down as CEO? At 64 years old, Cook is widely expected to serve another two to three years. Williams’ departure may suggest that Cook intends to stay on longer, especially as Apple navigates significant operational and competitive challenges — from its position in the AI race to intensifying global supply chain pressures.

With the most likely successor to Cook now out of the picture, Apple faces a new chapter in its leadership evolution. The company’s future may depend not only on Khan’s ability to navigate logistical and geopolitical headwinds, but also on who emerges as the next CEO candidate in an increasingly complex and fast-moving tech landscape.