Exec Scott Forstall, who is currently head of Apple’s iOS software, is to leave next year, with Head of Retail John Browett, who was pinched from his previous role as Dixons boss only six months ago, sent packing with immediate effect.
In a statement, CEO Tim Cook said: “We are in one of the most prolific periods of innovation and new products in Apple’s history.
“The amazing products that we’ve introduced in September and October, iPhone 5, iOS 6, iPad mini, iPad, iMac, MacBook Pro, iPod touch, iPod nano and many of our applications, could only have been created at Apple and are the direct result of our relentless focus on tightly integrating world-class hardware, software and services.”
Forstall was the exec behind the Apple Maps debacle last month which led to CEO Tim Cook issuing a public apology to all Mac-fans, with many commentators speculating that it could see heads roll as penance.
Forstall joined Apple in 1997 and was seen by many as the surrogate-Steve Jobs in light of the Apple founders passing last year. But reports have indicated that Forstall was not always the most popular of people at Apple HQ.
Mr Bowett joined from high street retailer Dixons earlier this year but has been given his marching orders despite enjoying a £36m ‘golden hello’ when he joined.
Photo: Getty.