Apple’s design leadership is undergoing a significant change with the departure of Tang Tan, the executive responsible for the design of the iPhone and Apple Watch. According to Bloomberg News, Tan will leave the company in February, following closely behind Steve Hotelling, a key figure in iPhone screen and touch ID technology. This double departure marks a turning point for Apple’s design team, prompting a reorganization and promotion of trusted deputies.
To fill the void left by Tan, Richard Dinh, previously the head of iPhone product design, will now report directly to John Ternus, the senior vice president of hardware engineering. This move streamlines the design process, placing Dinh in a more central position. Additionally, Kate Bergeron, who has been leading Mac teams in hardware engineering, will now take over the design responsibility for the Apple Watch.
These changes demonstrate Apple’s commitment to maintaining a strong design team. By promoting experienced individuals like Dinh and Bergeron, the company ensures continuity and knowledge retention. This is crucial for Apple, as the design of its products is one of its key differentiators in the highly competitive tech market.
While the reasons behind Tan’s departure are not yet known, it’s clear that Apple is confident in its existing design leadership. The promotions of Dinh and Bergeron signal a trust in their ability to lead the design of the company’s most iconic products. It will be interesting to see how their individual styles and perspectives influence the future of Apple design.
Only time will tell how this shakeup will impact future Apple devices. However, one thing is certain: Apple remains committed to delivering innovative and user-centric designs, and the company is confident that its team is well-equipped to continue this legacy.
