It was reported earlier today by Bloomberg that Apple's executive in charge of product design for the iPhone and smartwatch is stepping down, bringing a shake-up to the company’s most critical product lines.

Tang Tan, whose title is vice president of product design, is leaving in February, according to sources. Tan reports to John Ternus, senior vice president of hardware engineering, and the division is reshuffling duties to handle the transition.

Several deputies to Ternus and Tan are getting expanded roles as part of the changes. That includes Richard Dinh, Tan’s top lieutenant and head of iPhone product design. Dinh is being elevated to report directly to Ternus. Kate Bergeron, a hardware engineering executive responsible for Mac teams, is taking over the design of the Apple Watch.

Under Apple’s organizational structure, the product design team works closely with its industrial design and operations groups. Tan’s team has tight control over product features, including the look of devices and how they’re engineered. For more, read the full Bloomberg report.

The iPhone needs to come up with a refreshed design and perhaps new team leadership is what's needed. What are your thoughts on this news. Send in your opinions to our Twitter feed or below in our comment section.