Apple is implementing a significant reorganisation of its App Store team, dividing it into two distinct units as a long-serving executive prepares to depart. This restructuring comes in the wake of recent regulatory changes in the European Union (EU). The tech giant is establishing separate teams to manage its traditional App Store and to oversee alternative app marketplaces in the EU. This move follows Apple’s recent decision to partially open its platform to third-party app stores, a response to new European regulations aimed at fostering competition in the app distribution landscape.
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App Store VP Matt Fischer To Leave
Accompanying this organisational shift are notable personnel changes. The App Store’s vice president, Matt Fischer, who has led the platform for over a decade, has announced his departure from Apple. The executive shared his farewell message with employees and on social media platforms.
In a social media post and email to employees, Fischer wrote: “After 21 years at Apple, I’ve made the decision to step away from our incredible company. This has been on my mind for some time, and as we are also reorganizing the team to better manage new challenges and opportunities, now is the right moment to pass the baton to two outstanding leaders on my team—Carson Oliver and Ann Thai—both of whom are more than ready for this next chapter.”
Leadership of the two new divisions will be assumed by existing Apple executives. One will oversee the traditional Apple App Store, while the other will manage the alternative app store team for the EU market. Both units will continue to report to a senior Apple executive who has long been involved with App Store operations.
The restructuring also impacts the leadership of Apple Arcade, the company’s gaming subscription service, which will now fall under new management. It remains to be seen what additional changes, if any, may result from this reorganisation. While Apple has already made substantial adjustments in response to EU regulations, some developers and competitors argue that further steps are necessary to fully address competitive concerns.
