Apple’s chief operating officer plans to hand the role off this month and retire later this year after roughly a decade as the tech giant’s No. 2 under Chief Executive Tim Cook.

Operations king Jeff Williams abdicates – just don't give him a watch Apple Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams is stepping down from his role next month and leaving the company later this year to spend more time with friends and family.

Apple Inc. should consider replacing longtime chief executive officer Tim Cook as the iPhone maker’s struggles with artificial intelligence raise significant risks for the company, according to analysts at LightShed Partners.