Apple’s head of mobile software steps down

Over the last few weeks there has been much talk about mobile devices and their impact on the business world. The iPad Mini, fourth generation iPad, Surface Tablet RT and Nexus 10 tablet are all grabbing headlines but the most recent mobile device news to stir up some attention has nothing to do with an addition, but rather a subtraction.

It was announced on Monday that Scott Forstall is leaving Apple next year and has stepped down in his current role. While you may not recognize the name, you definitely recognize his work. Forstall was the head of mobile software for the company and has been involved in development since joining up in 1997.

The company issued a press release that recapped the coming moves but now why they were made.

“We are in one of the most prolific periods of innovation and new products in Apple’s history,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO in the press release. “The amazing products that we’ve introduced in September and October … 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.”

Following the departure, Jony Ive, Bob Mansfield, Eddy Cue and Craig Federighi will all be taking on additional responsibilities.

There is much speculation about why the move has been made. Most experts seem to agree it could be related to the debacle that was the Apple Map application included in iOS 6.

What this means for Apple’s mobile software division is anyone’s guess, but many IT departments are going to be keeping a close eye on the industry to see how the popular technology changes.

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