Apple VP Behind Activity Rings Retiring After Misconduct Claims

Apple's vice president of fitness technologies Jay Blahnik will retire this summer, bringing to an end a 13-year stint with Apple that was marred by accusations that he created a toxic work environment and sexually harassed an employee. In an email to employees this week, Apple said Blahnik, 57, will retire in July "to spend time with his family and make an exciting move to New York City," according to The New York Times. Blahnik joined Apple in 2013 after two decades as a consultant at Nike. He played a central role in developing the Apple Watch's iconic Activity rings (the three colored circles that users close daily by exercising, standing, and burning calories) and later oversaw Fitness+, Apple's subscription workout service featuring video classes for strength work, HIIT, cycling, meditation, yoga, and more. His leadership of the Fitness+ team however drew serious complaints. In an August 2025 report by the Times, nine current and former employees accused Blahnik of being "verball