From Moradabad to Apple’s Global Stage: Sabih Khan Becomes the New COO of Apple

Apple’s new Chief Operating Officer (COO) Sabih Khan—an Indian-origin executive originally from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh—has been appointed to oversee iPhone manufacturing, especially in India. After over 30 years at Apple, he succeeds Jeff Williams in a strategic move by CEO Tim Cook. This milestone highlights Apple’s commitment to continuing iPhone production in India amid global trade pressures and ambitions of sustainable growth. Born in Moradabad in 1966, Khan later lived in Singapore and then moved to the U.S. for higher education, earning degrees in mechanical engineering and economics from Tufts University and a master’s from RPI. He joined Apple in 1995 and climbed the ranks—from procurement to Senior Vice President of Operations—playing crucial roles in green manufacturing, logistics, and global supply chain management. Tim Cook praised him as “a brilliant strategist” and trusted his leadership to shape Apple’s future. Apple expects India’s share in its global iPhone production to grow significantly under his leadership.



1. Introduction: A New Era of Leadership

On July 8, 2025, Apple announced that Sabih Khan will step into the role of Chief Operating Officer, succeeding longtime operations chief Jeff Williams as part of a carefully orchestrated leadership transition . With a remarkable 30-year career at Apple, Khan’s ascent symbolizes continuity, internal talent promotion, and global ambition amid shifting geopolitical trade landscapes.

2. Early Life & Roots – From Moradabad to Global Education

Sabih Khan was born in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India in 1966. During his school years, his family relocated to Singapore, where he completed his early education. Later, he moved to the United States for tertiary studies . His educational journey reflects both technical depth and global exposure:

Dual bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and economics from Tufts University

A master’s degree in mechanical engineering from **Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)**


This combination of engineering and economics laid the groundwork for his success leading complex operations at one of the world’s biggest tech firms.

3. Early Career: GE Plastics Foundations

Before joining Apple, Khan worked at GE Plastics as an applications development engineer and key account technical leader. This phase helped him build strong analytical and execution skills before transitioning to the high-stakes environment of Apple’s global tech supply chain .

4. At Apple: Joining and Rising Through the Ranks

Khan joined Apple in 1995, initially working in the procurement group. Over the decades, his contributions spanned planning, manufacturing, logistics, supplier responsibility, and global fulfillment operations .

In 2019, he was promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations, a key leadership role overseeing Apple’s supply chain continuity, product quality, supplier relations, and environmental programs . In this capacity, Khan navigated major challenges including pandemic disruptions, production shifts, and evolving trade policies.

5. Global Impact: Strategy, Sustainability, and Resilience

Tim Cook praised Khan as “a brilliant strategist” and one of the central architects of Apple’s supply chain, highlighting his leadership in pioneering advanced manufacturing technologies and expanding U.S. and Indian production footprints .

Under Khan's stewardship, Apple intensified its focus on environmental sustainability, achieving over 60% reduction in carbon footprint through initiatives involving green supply chains and responsible supplier practices .

His efforts ensured Apple’s ability to scale swiftly and adapt to global challenges, from trade tensions to logistics disruptions .

6. A Crucial Moment: Transition and Trade Pressures

Khan assumes the role of COO during a volatile climate. Former U.S. President Donald Trump had warned Apple of steep tariffs if iPhones continued being manufactured outside the U.S., particularly in India .

In response, Apple is rapidly expanding iPhone production in India—with roughly 20% of global iPhones assembled there in fiscal year 2025 (~$22 billion in value), up 60% from the prior year . Khan’s promotion signals Apple’s long-term commitment to this shift and its operational readiness to manage geopolitical and logistical complexities.

7. The Transition: Jeff Williams’ Legacy & Role

Jeff Williams, who led Apple’s operations for decades, will remain at Apple for the remainder of 2025, overseeing the company’s design team and Apple Watch/Health initiatives. After his retirement, these units will report directly to CEO Tim Cook .

Williams spoke highly of Khan:

> “I have worked closely with Sabih for 27 years and believe he’s the most talented operations executive on the planet.”



His continued involvement ensures a smooth transition of strategic responsibilities and mentorship for Khan.

8. Significance of Khan’s Appointment

a. Representation & Inspiration

Khan’s journey—from a small-town upbringing in Moradabad to a major executive role at Apple—embodies global opportunity and the rise of Indian-origin leadership in Silicon Valley, joining ranks with CEOs like Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella .

b. Operational Continuity

With global operations and supply chains at the center of Apple’s business alongside increasing geopolitical risks, Khan’s deep institutional knowledge provides stability and strategic consistency.

c. Sustainability Commitment

Under his leadership, Apple has intensified its green manufacturing practices. Cutting carbon emissions and training suppliers on responsible practices emphasize the company’s environmental ethos .

d. Manufacturing in India & Future Vision

Khan’s Indian heritage and operations experience uniquely position him to manage Apple’s expanding footprint in India—supporting national manufacturing initiatives and global trade realignment.

9. Vision Ahead: What Lies Next?

As COO, Sabih Khan will lead Apple’s global operations through an era of supply-chain diversification, sustainability focus, and technological innovation. He is expected to:

Oversee the ongoing shift of iPhone production to India

Drive advanced manufacturing technologies

Cement Apple’s reputation for sustainable global operations

Maintain flexibility in logistics amid evolving trade policies


His leadership comes at a time when Apple is grappling with balancing production across multiple geographies, ensuring quality, affordability, and resilience.



🔚 Conclusion

Sabih Khan’s appointment as Apple’s new COO marks a symbolic and strategic milestone. With a solid engineering and economics education and nearly three decades of operational leadership within Apple, Khan brings the expertise and values needed for the next phase of growth. His Indian origin adds profound significance to this transition, especially as Apple deepens its operations in India. Tim Cook’s praise and Jeff Williams’ endorsement underscore the company's trust in him to lead through complexity with integrity and vision.