Following the announcement that the creator of the iPod and iTunes, Tony Fadell, was leaving Apple, along with his wife Danielle Lambert (who also works at Apple), in order to spend more time together and with their children, the departure looks like it will hurt the electronics giant pretty hard.

Let’s look at the ways that Fadell’s departure will harm Apple.

The iPod franchise will be harmed
Fadell was credited with the idea behind downloading digital music, and was instrumental in the design and creation of the iPod. He also played a major role in the further development of the iPod franchise and products moving forward.

Affects the development of the iPhone
In addition to the iPod, Fadell was the man behind the advancements made in the iPhone. Without his drive the iPhone would never have reached where it is today, and will struggle to move forward.

Apple lose a man who can take on Steve Jobs
At any company you need powerful, opinionated people who can say no to the boss. Fadell was one of those men. Without Fadell, Apple has lost a key decision maker.

Moral will be affected at Apple
The loss of Fadell will harm the moral at Apple HQ and at the development team behind the iPod and iPhone.

Apple is now without a Hardware Device Engineering Chief
With Fadell gone, nobody is able to make the decisions he made. No one can make the calls he made. He’s going to be a tough guy to replace, though they will try.