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On Monday, Apple named Dan Riccio, its longtime head of hardware engineering, to lead a secret new project as a vice president of engineering. Details about the project are nonexistent, but what we do know is that Riccio will report directly to Apple CEO Tim Cook which conveys the importance of his new gig.

In a , the tech titan announced Riccio’s spot at the top of the hardware engineering team will be filled by VP of Hardware Engineering John Ternus, who has been with the company since 2001.

Riccio has been with the tech giant since 1998 when he joined as a leader on the product design team. Since then he has made his mark through his involvement with the development of flagship products like the original iMac and more recently with the debut of the M1-based Macs, 5G iPhone, and new AirPods Max.

Riccio called his work at Apple “the opportunity of a lifetime,” and said, “After 23 years of leading our Product Design or Hardware Engineering teams — culminating with our biggest and most ambitious product year ever — it’s the right time for a change. Next up, I’m looking forward to doing what I love most — focusing all my time and energy at Apple on creating something new and wonderful that I couldn’t be more excited about.”

Speculation on Apple’s secret project has been abundant, ranging from touch screen laptops and autonomous vehicles to its augmented and virtual reality products.

In the company's press release Cook said, “Every innovation Dan has helped Apple bring to life has made us a better and more innovative company, and we’re thrilled that he’ll continue to be part of the team.” He added, “John’s deep expertise and wide breadth of experience make him a bold and visionary leader of our Hardware Engineering teams. I want to congratulate them both on these exciting new steps, and I’m looking forward to many more innovations they’ll help bring to the world.”

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