Apple CEO Tim Cook on Monday pushed out the head of the company's mobile software products group, in a management shake-up that would "encourage even more collaboration between the company's hardware, software and services teams," according to Apple.
Apple announced that Scott Forstall will be leaving Apple next year and will serve as an advisor to CEO Tim Cook in the interim.
Forstall was reportedly responsible for the Apple's mapping software, which displaced the popular Google Maps on the iPhone and the iPad in September. Apple's new mapping software contained errors and drew fierce criticism.
Additionally, Apple head of Retail is ls leaving Apple. John Browett, who was hired as the company's retail chief just months ago after serving as CEO of U.K. electronics retailer Dixon's.
"We are in one of the most prolific periods of innovation and new products in Apple's history," said Tim Cook, Apple's CEO. "The amazing products that we've introduced in September and October, iPhone 5, iOS 6, iPad mini, iPad, iMac, MacBook Pro, iPod touch, iPod nano and many of our applications, could only have been created at Apple and are the direct result of our relentless focus on tightly integrating world-class hardware, software and services."
Apple said Jony Ive would provide direction for Human Interface (HI) across the company in addition to his role as the leader of Industrial Design.
Eddy Cue will take on the additional responsibility of Siri and Maps, placing all of Apple's online services in one group.
Craig Federighi will lead both iOS and OS X, Apple added.
Apple also established the new "Technology" group. Led by Bob Mansfield, the new group combines all of Apple's wireless teams across the company in one organization. This organization will also include the semiconductor teams, "who have ambitious plans for the future," according to Apple.