Jay Blahnik, Apple’s vice president of fitness technologies, is set to retire this summer, concluding a 13-year tenure at Apple. His time at the company has been overshadowed by allegations that he fostered a toxic work environment and engaged in sexual harassment involving an employee.
Jay Blahnik, Apple’s vice president of fitness technologies, will retire in July at age 57, according to an internal email shared by Apple and reported by The New York Times. The company said he plans to spend more time with family and relocate to New York City.
Blahnik joined Apple in 2013 after roughly two decades consulting with Nike. During his tenure, he played a key role in shaping the Apple Watch experience, including the widely recognized Activity rings feature. He later led the development of Apple Fitness+, Apple’s workout platform offering guided sessions across strength training, HIIT, cycling, yoga, meditation, and more.
However, his leadership of the Fitness+ team drew significant criticism. A report published in August 2025 by The New York Times cited nine current and former employees who described Blahnik as “verbally abusive, manipulative and inappropriate.” The report also claimed that more than 10 members of the roughly 100-person team had taken extended mental health or medical leave since 2022.
Apple previously settled one complaint alleging sexual harassment by Blahnik and is currently defending him in a separate lawsuit filed by employee Mandana Mofidi, who has accused him of bullying. The case is expected to go to trial next year.
Following employee complaints, Apple conducted an internal investigation and said it found no evidence of wrongdoing, allowing Blahnik to remain in his role. At the time, company spokesperson Lance Lin criticized the New York Times report as containing “many inaccurate claims and mischaracterizations,” though no specific details were provided.
It remains unclear who will succeed Blahnik in leading Fitness+. Meanwhile, the future of Apple Fitness+ is reportedly under review. According to Bloomberg, Apple’s services chief Eddy Cue is considering potential changes to the platform.
Launched in 2020, Apple Fitness+ is priced in the U.S. at $9.99 per month or $79.99 annually. It is also included in the Apple One Premier plan, which costs $37.95 per month.