Sabih Khan Appointed as Apple’s Next Chief Operating Officer (COO)

On July 8, 2025, tech giant Apple Inc. announced a key leadership transition: Sabih Khan, its long-serving Senior Vice President of Operations, has been appointed the company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO). He succeeds Jeff Williams, who is stepping down this month and will retire later in the year.

This move marks a significant moment for Apple, coming at a time when the company is navigating complex global supply chain challenges, technological transitions, and mounting geopolitical and regulatory pressures.

Who is Sabih Khan?

Academic Background and Early Career

Sabih Khan brings with him a strong technical and analytical foundation, having earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University, followed by a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).

Before joining Apple, Mr. Khan worked at GE Plastics as an applications development engineer and key account technical leader, roles that sharpened his expertise in both engineering design and client-facing logistics.

Decades of Experience at Apple

Khan joined Apple in 1995, initially in its procurement group. Over the past three decades, he has steadily climbed the corporate ladder, earning a reputation as a meticulous strategist and a pioneer in supply chain innovation.

In 2019, he was elevated to the role of Senior Vice President of Operations, placing him at the center of Apple’s manufacturing, logistics, and supplier responsibility programs.

His tenure saw Apple enhance its supply chain’s resilience, especially during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions with China, and environmental regulatory shifts.

The Scope of His Responsibilities

In his new role as COO, Sabih Khan will oversee:

• Product quality assurance

• Supply chain strategy and optimization

• Manufacturing and logistics coordination

• Procurement and supplier partnerships

• Fulfillment and distribution networks

• Corporate sustainability and labor ethics programs

His appointment is not just administrative—it signifies Apple’s ongoing emphasis on operational excellence, sustainable production, and adaptive global sourcing.

Why This Appointment Matters Now

1. Global Manufacturing Pressures

The appointment comes amid mounting pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has demanded that Apple move a significant portion of its iPhone production to the United States. Companies that fail to comply risk facing import tariffs if they continue manufacturing in countries like China or India.

Sabih Khan’s ability to navigate international manufacturing regulations, negotiate with suppliers, and scale domestic production will be critical as Apple recalibrates its global assembly operations.

2. Delayed Rollout of AI Features

Apple is currently under public and legal scrutiny for delays in the deployment of its Generative AI-powered Siri assistant, promised as a flagship feature of the iPhone 16 series. The technology has yet to be released, sparking customer dissatisfaction and multiple lawsuits.

As COO, Mr. Khan will be expected to align engineering innovation with manufacturing readiness, ensuring timely rollouts of future AI-integrated products.

What Lies in Khan’s Hands

As COO, Sabih Khan will not only be responsible for maintaining Apple’s operational efficiency, but also for steering the company through:

• The AI revolution in consumer electronics

• Pressures to reshore manufacturing

• Challenges posed by changing trade agreements

• Upholding sustainability and human rights standards across the supply chain

His appointment is a nod to Apple’s belief in operational excellence as a foundation for innovation. As Apple faces increasing competition in AI-enabled hardware, regulatory environments, and consumer expectations, Khan’s leadership will play a defining role in shaping the company’s next decade.