Apple's head of hardware engineering just switched his focus entirely to virtual and augmented reality devices, according to one report. This is only the latest
Mark Gurman, Bloomberg News SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - JUNE , Photographer: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images North America
(Bloomberg) Apple Inc. executive Dan Riccio is focusing on the companyâs upcoming virtual and augmented reality devices after he shed his role as the head of hardware engineering, according to people with knowledge of the move.
Last month, the Cupertino, California-based technology giant said Riccio was stepping down and being replaced by top lieutenant John Ternus. At the time, Apple said Riccio was shifting to a ânew projectâ without specifying.
That new project is overseeing the team developing future Apple AR and VR headsets, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing internal matters. An Apple spokesman declined to comment.
Apple s Dan Riccio is reportedly now overseeing the company s team developing augmented and virtual reality headset after leaving his position of hardware engineering chief.
In January, Apple announced that Riccio would shift to the role of vice president of engineering as he oversaw a new project at Apple. Although the company didn t specify,
Bloombergreports that the new project is Apple AR and VR projects.
According to the report, Apple s work on a high-end VR headset device has faced development bottlenecks. People within Apple thought Riccio s additional focus could help with the project.
Although Riccio has the ultimate oversight over Apple VR and AR development, the project is being led in day-to-day operations by Apple VP Mike Rockwell. The Cupertino tech giant reportedly has more than a thousand engineers working on both the VR headset and Apple Glass.