Apple’s head of mobile software, Scott Forstall, is leaving the company following the release of Apple Maps and Siri, two major projects that were considered flops for the technology giant.

Forstall will serve as an advisor to Chief Executive Tim Cook before leaving the company next year, Apple said in a press release Monday afternoon.

Besides Apple Maps and Siri, Forstall is credited with leading several releases of Apple’s desktop operating system Mac OS X. He originally came to the company after working for NeXT, the start-up Steve Jobs created and sold to Apple on his return to the company.

Besides Forstall, Apple’s head of retail, John Browett, is also leaving the company. Cook will take over Browett’s responsibilities while the company searches for his replacement.


The Cuptertino company did not give a reason for why the two executives are leaving but said the move “will encourage even more collaboration between the Company’s world-class hardware, software and services teams.”

As a result, four other Apple executives will have added responsibilities, the company said.

Jony Ive, Apple’s head of design, will now also be the company’s leader for design in human interface, meaning he’ll be in charge of how the software looks to consumers.

Eddy Cue, who is in charge of Internet services including the iTunes Store and App Store, will now be in charge of Apple Maps and Siri as well.


Craig Federighi, who is charge of Apple’s desktop operating system, will now also oversee its mobile operating system.

And Bob Mansfield, who is in charge of Apple’s line of Mac computers, will now lead a new group simply called Technologies. Apple said he will oversee all of the company’s wireless teams.

ALSO:

A handy Web guide to tracking Hurricane Sandy


Google unveils Nexus 10 tablet, an iPad rival, and Nexus 4 phone

Amazon challenges iPad mini with Kindle Fire HD comparison online