Jay Blahnik, Vice President of Fitness Technologies at Apple, is leaving the company after 13 years. His departure comes at a time when Apple Fitness+ is already undergoing a rebranding.
Resignation after 13 years
Apple has confirmed to The New York Times that Jay Blahnik will retire in July 2026. In an internal email to employees, Apple stated that Blahnik will be spending more time with his family and will be moving to New York City. It remains unclear whether Apple will fill the Vice President of Fitness Technologies position or distribute the responsibilities among existing executives.
Blahnik joined Apple in 2013 from Nike, where he had been instrumental in the development of the FuelBand. At Apple, he became one of the key figures behind the Apple Watch. The Activity rings—one of the watch's most recognizable design elements—are his brainchild. He also led the development of Apple Fitness+, the workout subscription service that launched in 2020.
Allegations and internal investigation
Blahnik's departure doesn't come out of nowhere. In August 2025, the New York Times, based on statements from several current and former employees, reported on a problematic work environment in his department. Former team members accused him of verbal abuse, inappropriate remarks, and retaliatory actions. According to the report, more than ten employees had requested extended sick leave since 2022—representing about ten percent of the team.
According to the report, Apple conducted an internal investigation which found no evidence of wrongdoing. Blahnik remained in his position but has since made few public appearances.
Fitness+ faces an uncertain future
Blahnik's resignation coincides with a broader realignment. As early as November 2025, Bloomberg reported that the future of Apple Fitness+ was under internal review. The service was considered one of Apple's weakest digital offerings.
As part of a comprehensive leadership reorganization, responsibility for Fitness+ has been transferred to Sumbul Desai, who already heads Apple's Health division. The health and fitness teams now report to Eddy Cue, Senior Vice President of Services, following the departure of former COO Jeff Williams at the end of 2025.
Another departure during a period of upheaval
Blahnik's resignation is the latest in a series of leadership changes Apple has experienced in months. In addition to Jeff Williams, General Counsel Kate Adams, Environmental Chief Lisa Jackson, and AI Chief John Giannandrea have also left the company or announced their resignations. Meanwhile, reports are circulating that Tim Cook himself could step down as CEO in the foreseeable future.
Apple is undergoing its most comprehensive leadership restructuring in over a decade. For Fitness+, this means the service must prove itself under new leadership and with a revised strategy – without the man who originally created it. (Image: Shutterstock / Wachiwit)
- Amazon wants to buy Globalstar – what threatens Apple
- Fake WhatsApp containing spyware: Meta warns 200 users
- Apple Sports is now showing all the Teams of the FIFA World Cup 2026
- iPad Air 3 lands on Apple's vintage list
- AirTag 2: Update improves stalking protection
- Tim Cook's memo on Apple's 50th birthday
- AirPods Max 2: Apple still sees potential in the H2 Chip
- Tim Cook in an interview: "It is definitely still his company"
- AirPods Max 2 available starting today
- Apple patches iOS 18 against DarkSword exploit
- Iran war threatens India's smartphone exports – Apple has the advantage
- MacBook sales in 2026: Apple defies the market slump
- ChatGPT in CarPlay: OpenAI brings AI chat to the car
- Apple declares three devices vintage and obsolete
- NASA Artemis II: Rocket launch is recorded immersively
- iOS 26.5 Beta 1: All new features at a glance
- AirPods Max 2: First Reviews at a glance
- Apple introduces privacy rules for third-party providers
- WhatsApp is testing a CarPlay app with a new interface
- Apple is testing a new audio feature for third-party providers
- Apple is preparing to introduce advertising in Maps with iOS 26.5
- iOS 26.5 opens the system to accessories in the EU
- iOS 26.5 introduces new Subscription features in the App Store
