The ‘Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ is out at Apple

On Monday, Google and Microsoft announced new mobile devices and operating systems at scheduled press events, but it was unexpected news from Apple that could have the biggest impact on the industry. Apple’s news was not a device or an operating system but instead a departure.

Scott Forstall, the senior vice president of the mobile operating system iOS, will leave the company next year and has stepped down. He will serve as a special consultant to CEO Tim Cook until then.

Forstall, while a talented and able performer, was also considered to be a polarizing figure behind the scenes. He joined the company in 1997 when the company NeXT – a start-up created by Steve Jobs – was sold to Apple. He was close to the man on top and some dubbed him the “sorcerer’s apprentice.”

Following the death of Jobs and less that stellar showing of the latest version of the mobile operating system, iOS 6, it seemed to have reached a place where change was necessary. A number of people including Jony Ive will be taking on more responsibilities. Apple released a statement on their Website announcing the shake up.

“We are in one of the most prolific periods of innovation and new products in Apple’s history,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO in the press release. “The amazing products that we’ve introduced in September and October … 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.”

How the mobile industry will be affected is still yet to be determined but IT departments are sure to be keeping an eye on the market. IT consulting firms like CTI Technology can help businesses make decisions if Apple’s move caused sharp changes.

Google and Microsoft announced new mobile devices and operating systems at scheduled press events, but it was unexpected news from Apple that could have the biggest impact on the industry.