Dan Riccio, a long-serving executive at Apple Inc., is set to retire. He has been instrumental in overseeing the development of the company's mixed reality headsets and previously led the hardware engineering division. According to sources, Riccio, who reported to Apple CEO Tim Cook, will depart this month. The employees of the Vision Products Group, comprising thousands of engineers working on headsets and related technology, have been informed that John Ternus, Apple's head of hardware, will assume leadership.
While discussions remain confidential, insiders indicate that Mike Rockwell, Riccio's deputy, will continue to manage the day-to-day operations of the Vision Products Group. Apple has declined to comment on the matter.
Riccio's departure represents one of the most significant personnel changes within Apple's management team, though it has been anticipated for some time. Three years ago, Riccio transitioned from Senior Vice President to Vice President, stepping away from the 12-member executive team, marking his path toward retirement.
Throughout his 26-year tenure at Apple, Riccio was known for his sometimes abrasive style and controversial actions. However, he also played a crucial role in hiring key staff and encouraging acquisitions, leading to the creation of major new products. His leadership saw Apple through several high-stakes ventures, including the development of the Vision Pro headset and the ambitious, though ultimately unsuccessful, car project.
