Apple's new COO
On July 8, 2025, Apple announced a major leadership transition: Sabih Khan, a veteran operations executive with nearly three decades at the company, will succeed Jeff Williams as Chief Operating Officer (COO) later this month. For many outside the company, the name may not ring immediate bells. But within Apple, Khan is widely recognized as the quiet force behind its supply chain which is one of the most sophisticated in the world. So, who exactly is Sabih Khan, and why is his appointment significant?
Also read: Who will be Apple’s next CEO after Tim Cook? Here’s what we know
Sabih Khan’s journey begins in Moradabad, a city in Uttar Pradesh, India, known for its metalwork and craftsmanship. Born in 1966, Khan moved to Singapore with his family during his school years and later relocated to the United States for higher education.
He went on to earn dual bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University, followed by a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). This unique blend of business and engineering would become a defining advantage in his career.
Also read: Apple’s design team will report directly to Tim Cook after Jeff Williams’ exit
Before joining Apple, Khan began his career at GE Plastics (now part of SABIC) as an applications development engineer and key account technical leader. He developed technical solutions for clients and managed complex manufacturing relationships, a skillset that would prove essential in the high-pressure world of consumer electronics. In 1995, he joined Apple’s procurement team, entering the company during a turbulent period. Over the next three decades, Khan rose through the ranks, navigating Apple’s transformation from a struggling computer company to a global tech powerhouse.
Khan became Senior Vice President of Operations in 2019, reporting to COO Jeff Williams. His domain? Virtually everything that touches Apple products before they arrive in customers’ hands: procurement, planning, manufacturing, logistics, and product fulfillment. He also oversaw Apple’s supplier responsibility programs, which emphasize worker protections, environmental responsibility, and education. Khan was also instrumental in expanding Apple’s manufacturing presence in the United States, balancing Apple’s complex geopolitical realities with operational efficiency.
Khan’s elevation is not a sudden shift but a planned succession, signaling continuity and stability at Apple. He is expected to report directly to Tim Cook and possibly oversee expanding business units like AppleCare. Khan takes over at a pivotal time. Apple is navigating declining iPhone sales in mature markets, facing regulatory scrutiny across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, rebuilding its AI leadership following a key executive departure to Meta and accelerating its manufacturing shift toward India to reduce dependence on China.
As COO, Khan will be at the center of how Apple evolves in response to these challenges, balancing cost, ethics, innovation, and global scale. In an industry dominated by flashy product reveals and public-facing executives, Khan stands out for the opposite reasons: his low profile, technical depth, and relentless execution. He is known inside Apple as a values-first leader who builds trust, emphasizes long-term thinking, and quietly gets the job done.
His rise from Moradabad to Apple’s C-suite is also a source of pride for the Indian diaspora and a powerful signal about Apple’s increasingly global leadership bench. Khan’s appointment ensures Apple’s operational backbone remains strong and adaptable in a shifting global tech environment. While he may never become a household name like Steve Jobs or Tim Cook, his influence will be felt in every iPhone manufactured, every Mac delivered on time, and every step Apple takes toward a more sustainable future. In short, Sabih Khan is the architect of Apple’s physical world, and now, as COO, he’s preparing to build its future.
Also read: Apple releases iOS 26 beta 3 with toned-down liquid glass: Here’s what’s new
