Apple COO Jeff Williams to retire after 27 years at the company
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Williams, 62, will continue to report to CEO Tim Cook for his remaining time, overseeing Apple's design team, Apple Watch and health initiatives. Following his full retirement, the design team will transition to reporting directly to Cook.
Williams' departure marks the latest in a series of longtime Apple executives, instrumental during the company's hyper-growth years, reaching retirement age. He spearheaded Apple's operations division, responsible for the complex manufacturing of millions of devices like iPhones.
After Jony Ive's retirement in 2019, Williams also took charge of Apple's famed industrial design team.
"June marked my 27th anniversary with Apple, and my 40th in the industry," Williams stated, expressing his intent to "spend more time with friends and family."
Meanwhile, Cook lauded Williams' contributions, saying, "He's helped to create one of the most respected global supply chains in the world; launched Apple Watch and overseen its development; architected Apple's health strategy; and led our world class team of designers with great wisdom, heart, and dedication."
Sabih Khan to be next COO
Sabih Khan, who joined Apple's executive team as a senior vice president in 2019, will now oversee the entirety of Apple's global supply chain, product quality, planning, procurement and fulfillment. He originally joined Apple's procurement group in 1995, following a career as an engineer and technical leader at GE Plastics.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
an hour ago
- Economic Times
Apple has a new Indian-American COO. What it needs might be a new CEO.
Is peak Apple over? To ask this question of a company which just recently, in December 2024, recorded its highest market cap ever of USD3.73 trillion — with a T — may seem foolhardy. But there is a general sense of unease and disquiet among many Apple watchers. Just last week, all of this uncertainty about the future made two analysts — Walter Piecyk and Joe Galone of LightShed Partners, a New York-based research firm — articulate what many have
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Apple has a new Indian-American COO. What it needs might be a new CEO.
Is peak Apple over? To ask this question of a company which just recently, in December 2024, recorded its highest market cap ever of USD3.73 trillion — with a T — may seem foolhardy. But there is a general sense of unease and disquiet among many Apple watchers. Just last week, all of this uncertainty about the future made two analysts — Walter Piecyk and Joe Galone of LightShed Partners, a New York-based research firm — articulate what many have
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
Apple's foldable iPhone could send this stock soaring — analysts say watch closely
Apple is gearing up to disrupt the smartphone world yet again—this time with a foldable iPhone that could change everything. But the real excitement isn't just about the phone itself. Analysts are sounding the alarm on one under-the-radar stock that could absolutely explode if Apple makes its move. They're calling it a must-watch—because when Apple shifts, this company could be the one riding the biggest wave. Lens Technology (HKEX: 300433) could become the biggest winner if Apple's foldable iPhone hits the market in 2026. The ultra-thin glass manufacturer is being closely watched by analysts who believe this could be a game-changing moment—not just for Apple, but also for its key suppliers. Lens recently raised HK$610 million through its Hong Kong IPO to strengthen its foldable-screen tech, betting big on Apple's future moves. If things go as projected, foldable iPhones could make up 12% of Lens's total revenue by 2027. Why is Apple betting on a foldable iPhone by 2026? Apple is reportedly preparing to enter the foldable smartphone space by late 2026, according to top Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The device is expected to feature a book-style design, crease-free OLED panels from Samsung Display, and ultra-thin glass supplied by Lens Technology. If the rumors prove accurate, this could mark a major shift in Apple's product strategy, making foldables a mainstream option for iPhone users. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Experts Warn If You See This Bug In Your Yard, Do This Quickly Undo Price estimates for Apple's foldable phone range between $1,800 and $2,400, which would make it the most expensive iPhone to date, according to UBS and Kuo. The anticipated launch is already pushing excitement in Apple's supply chain, with suppliers like Lens preparing for a potential boom. How does Lens Technology fit into Apple's foldable vision? Lens Technology is a long-time Apple supplier, known for producing ultra-thin glass (UTG) used in display covers. Analysts believe the company's role in Apple's foldable lineup could be massive. As per reports from 36Kr and Gulf Business, Lens will likely be a primary supplier of the glass cover for Apple's first foldable device. Live Events Lens is clearly gearing up. The company raised HK$610 million in its Hong Kong listing, specifically targeting R&D and production in foldable glass. Its projections show that foldable-related revenue could grow from 5% in 2026 to 12% by 2027—a major shift for its earnings profile. Is Lens Technology stock a smart buy right now? At a current price of around ¥23.64 CNY (as of July 21, 2025), Lens Technology is trading below its 52-week high of ¥32.05, giving it room to climb if the foldable iPhone gains traction. The stock is up +7.9% year-to-date and +24% over the past year, showing steady investor interest. The company has a market cap of approximately ¥122 billion CNY (~US$17 billion), with a P/E ratio of ~31× TTM and forward P/E of ~23.6×. Its next earnings report is expected on August 20, 2025, and that could be a catalyst depending on any foldable-related updates. If you're eyeing Lens Technology as a potential breakout stock tied to Apple's foldable iPhone, here are the key numbers and dates that matter: Current stock price : Around ¥23.64 CNY as of July 21, 2025 52-week range : Between ¥14.92 and ¥32.05 CNY — still below its recent peak Market cap : Roughly ¥122 billion CNY (≈ $17 billion USD ) P/E ratio : Trading at about 31× trailing earnings , with a forward P/E near 23.6× Year-to-date performance : Up ~7.9% so far in 2025 One-year gain : Stock has climbed 24% over the past 12 months Next big catalyst : Q2 earnings report expected on August 20, 2025 These numbers show that Lens Technology has already been gaining momentum—but the real upside could hit if Apple formally confirms a 2026 launch for the foldable iPhone and Lens is locked in as a key supplier. What are the key risks for investors betting on Lens? Lens Technology presents a high-risk, high-reward opportunity. While it's positioned well, there are still several uncertainties: Apple's rollout schedule: Delays in the foldable iPhone launch could postpone revenue growth. Execution risk: Mass production of ultra-thin glass at scale isn't easy. Any technical hurdles could hit margins. Global market volatility: As a China-based company, Lens remains vulnerable to fluctuations in China/HK tech stocks and regulatory pressures. Rising competition: Firms like Luxshare Precision and Foxconn are also making moves in foldable tech. Even component suppliers like Amphenol and Hirose Electric are building their stake with high-end hinges and connectors. Still, if Apple's launch succeeds, Lens's first-mover advantage in foldable glass could put it far ahead. How does Lens stack up against other Apple suppliers? Here's a quick look at where Lens stands among others in the foldable supply chain: Company Focus Area Why It Matters Lens Technology Ultra-thin glass for displays Leader in UTG development; direct link to Apple's foldable glass needs Luxshare Precision Connectors, hinges, assembly Already assembling AirPods; expanding into foldables Foxconn / Pegatron Device assembly Key OEM players exploring foldable capabilities Amphenol / Hirose Hinges & connectors Hinge components alone may account for 18% of foldable BOM Samsung Display OLED displays Likely exclusive display supplier for Apple's foldable model Among this group, Lens stands out for its specialized role in foldable glass—a niche few have mastered. So, should you watch Lens Technology stock closely? If you believe in Apple's foldable future, Lens Technology is one of the purest plays you can make in the supply chain. It's not without risk, but it offers meaningful upside if Apple's 2026 launch happens as planned. With analysts projecting up to 12% revenue from foldables by 2027, Lens's earnings could look very different in just two years. Pairing Lens with broader Apple suppliers like Luxshare or Foxconn may offer more balanced exposure. But if you're targeting maximum upside from the foldable iPhone theme, Lens deserves a serious look. Apple's foldable iPhone might still be over a year away, but the time to watch Lens Technology ( is now. With a clear path to becoming a key player in Apple's foldable plans, and an already growing stock profile, Lens could become one of the biggest breakout stories in the global tech supply chain. FAQs: Q1: What is Lens Technology's role in Apple's foldable iPhone? Lens Technology is likely to supply the ultra-thin cover glass for Apple's 2026 foldable iPhone. Q2: Could Lens Technology stock grow with Apple's foldable iPhone launch? Yes, analysts expect up to 12% of Lens's revenue to come from foldables by 2027.
