Longtime Apple executive Phil Schiller is reportedly stepping down from his position overseeing the company’s App Store operations, with concerns about the platform’s future direction said to have influenced his decision. 

According to reports, Schiller will remain at Apple as an Apple Fellow, where he will work on other projects, while also devoting more time to his family and philanthropic activities.

Schiller’s departure reportedly comes as Apple prepares to pursue changes aimed at improving App Store profitability and generating more recurring revenue. 

New chief executive John Ternus and services chief Eddy Cue are said to be considering strategies that could increase the financial returns from the App Store, a move that could further intensify long standing tensions between Apple, developers and regulators.

The App Store has faced criticism from developers for years over Apple’s policies and the commission it collects from transactions. 

The company has also been involved in several major legal disputes concerning its control of the platform and its treatment of developers. 

Although Schiller reportedly did not engage in a major disagreement with Apple’s leadership over the proposed strategy, he is said to have been concerned that increasing pressure to generate more profits could lead to further conflicts.

Reports indicate that Schiller chose to step aside rather than become directly involved in a strategy he believed could create additional challenges for Apple.

His continued position as an Apple Fellow means he will remain connected to the company, despite leaving his long standing leadership role within the App Store business.

Source: Techcrunch