Apple divides App Store team as top executive departs
Apple is undergoing a significant shakeup within its App Store division. Matt Fischer, the global head of the App Store, has announced his departure from the company, effective October 2024. Fischer's exit coincides with the tech giant dividing its App Store division into two separate groups, as per Bloomberg. The split will see one team managing the App Store, while another will be responsible for strategizing Apple's approach toward alternative app marketplaces in the European Union.
Fischer joined Apple in 2003
Fischer, the current Vice President of the App Store, has announced his departure from Apple after serving in the company for 21 years. In an email to employees, he stated that this decision had been on his mind for some time and felt it was the right moment to pass on leadership responsibilities. The email was also shared on LinkedIn by Fischer himself.
New leadership for divided App Store division
Following Fischer's departure, Apple Senior Director Carson Oliver will take charge of the App Store team. Ann Thai, a product director at Apple, will lead the group focusing on alternative distribution strategies. Both divisions will be supervised by Phil Schiller, the current head of the App Store.
Division split triggered by EU regulatory changes
The division of the App Store team was prompted by new requirements from European regulators. These regulations mandate Apple to permit third-party payment methods and alternative app stores on its platform. This change has already seen Fortnite re-enter the iPhone market through the Epic Games Store on iOS. Other alternative app stores like AltStore PAL, Mobivention, and Aptoid have also emerged on iPhones in Europe.
