Overview
- Gary Geaves, a key figure in the development of Apple's AirPods and HomePod, has stepped down from his role as vice president in charge of acoustics.
- Ruchir Davé, Geaves' top deputy since 2009, will now lead the hardware team responsible for audio features on Apple's products.
- The leadership reshuffle affects the hardware team of about 300 employees, emphasizing Apple's focus on its expanding AirPods and speaker businesses.
- Apple's audio products, particularly AirPods, have become crucial to the company, generating over $15 billion in yearly revenue.
- The change is part of Apple's broader strategy to strengthen its position in the audio products market, amid reports of upcoming AirPods updates and a new smart speaker with a built-in screen.