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  "path": "/2026/04/02/apple-vp-activity-rings-retiring-misconduct-claims/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-02T05:58:17.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.macrumors.com",
  "tags": [
    "Apple Fitness Plus",
    "New York Times",
    "The New York Times",
    "accused Blahnik",
    "Bloomberg",
    "Apple VP Behind Activity Rings Retiring After Misconduct Claims",
    "MacRumors.com",
    "Discuss this article"
  ],
  "textContent": "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.\n\n\nIn 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_.\n\nBlahnik 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.\n\nHis 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 \"verbally abusive, manipulative and inappropriate.\" More than 10 of the roughly 100 employees on his team had sought extended mental health or medical leaves of absence since 2022, the report said.\n\nApple settled one complaint alleging sexual harassment by Blahnik and is currently defending him in a separate lawsuit brought by employee Mandana Mofidi, who accused him of bullying. That case is scheduled to go to trial next year.\n\nWhen employees raised concerns about Blahnik's conduct, Apple initiated an internal investigation and found no evidence of wrongdoing, so Blahnik remained in his role. At the time, Apple spokesperson Lance Lin called the _NYT_ report full of \"many inaccurate claims and mischaracterizations,\" but didn't specify which claims the company disputed.\n\nIt's unclear who will succeed Blahnik at Fitness+. Meanwhile, the future of Fitness+ is itself said to be \"under review,\" according to _Bloomberg_ , with services chief Eddy Cue apparently \"considering changes\" to the service.\n\nApple Fitness+ launched in 2020. In the U.S., the service costs $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year. Apple Fitness+ is also available as part of the Apple One Premier bundle, with U.S. pricing set at $37.95 per month.\n\nTags: Apple Fitness Plus, New York Times\n\n\nThis article, \"Apple VP Behind Activity Rings Retiring After Misconduct Claims\" first appeared on MacRumors.com\n\nDiscuss this article in our forums\n\n",
  "title": "Apple VP Behind Activity Rings Retiring After Misconduct Claims"
}