- Apple to split the App Store team to better work out how to deal with the advent of alternative app stores
- Two new department heads will now answer to App Store chief, Phil Schiller
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It looks like lasting changes are indeed afoot at Apple’s App Store following months of pressure, court action, legal threats, policy changes and fees.
While it’s the European Union’s Digital Markets Act that has forced Apple to lower its walls and allow in third party app stores (something it’s doing in its own reluctant way), the need to change and adapt globally to shifting sentiments and possible similar legal action elsewhere is now effecting changes within Apple HQ.
The App Store team is now being effectively split into two groups according to Bloomberg, with one set of ex-App Store employees continuing to run the App Store in the form we know and love it, with the other new group taking charge of the company’s interactions and services with alternate app stores – starting with those now present in the European Union.
“This has been on my mind for some time. Now is the right moment to pass the baton to two outstanding leaders on my team.”
Matt Fischer
Most interestingly the change comes alongside the departure of long-servicing head of worldwide App Store and Apple Arcade, Matt Fischer who has held the role since 2010 and been with Apple for 21 years. Fischer will be leaving in October of this year.
It’s clear that his departure and Apple’s new stance are connected and Fischer makes a good stab at happily walking away from a situation he would have one time fought tooth and nail to avoid.
“This has been on my mind for some time”
“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,” Fischer wrote in an email to employees and posted on LinkedIn.
His role will now be taken by Apple senior director Carson Oliver who will oversee the App Store division, while product director Ann Thai will take on all matters of alternative distribution.
One thing that’s not changing is the presence of App Store chief Phil Schiller who will be overseeing both divisions.
Whether the moves are part of plans to circumvent DMA-style legal action outside of the EU or simply a giant choosing to move with the times, is open to speculation. But it’s safe to say that moves to appease users, devs and publishers (and doubtless control the situation throughout) are in progress.
Apple appears to be opening its doors. Slowly.
