Apple announced that the executive in charge of Maps, Siri and other software in its culture-changing iPhones is leaving as part of a shakeup in the upper ranks of the company.

Apple chief Tim Cook said the departure of Scott Forstall were part of a move to better integrate hardware, software, and services.

Forstall will leave Apple next year and serve as an advisor to Cook until his departure.

Retail senior vice-president John Browett has also quit with immediate effect. The company said it was looking for a replacement.