Apple Overhauls AI Division, Relies on Outside Specialists to Bridge the Divide

Apple’s AI Leadership Undergoes Major Transition

John Giannandrea, who has led Apple’s machine learning and AI strategy as senior vice president, is preparing to step down, marking the close of a period marked by difficulties in keeping up with rapid advancements in generative AI at other major tech firms. Giannandrea, who joined Apple in 2018 after a tenure at Google, will remain with the company until spring 2026 to facilitate a smooth transition, as confirmed by Apple’s official statement. His departure comes amid mounting criticism over Apple’s slow rollout of AI-powered features, such as the updated Siri and the Apple Intelligence suite, which have been seen as lagging behind the offerings from OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft.

Restructuring AI Teams and New Leadership

Giannandrea’s exit signals a significant shift in Apple’s approach to AI leadership. Rather than appointing a direct successor, Apple is decentralizing its AI operations. Team members will now report to software chief Craig Federighi, Chief Operating Officer Sabih Khan, and services leader Eddy Cue. The company has brought in Amar Subramanya, a veteran AI expert with extensive experience at Google and most recently a corporate vice president of AI at Microsoft, as the new vice president of AI. Subramanya will be responsible for Apple Foundation Models, machine learning research, and AI safety and evaluation—areas previously overseen by Giannandrea.

Pressure to Accelerate AI Progress

This leadership overhaul comes as Apple faces increasing pressure to speed up its AI development. Although Giannandrea played a key role in building Apple’s current AI team, the company has struggled to keep pace with competitors, entering the generative AI arena two years after OpenAI’s ChatGPT made waves in the industry. Analysts have pointed out that Apple’s delays and the lukewarm reception of its Apple Intelligence platform highlight the urgency of these changes. Some industry observers, including analyst Gene Munster, have speculated that Giannandrea’s departure may have been encouraged by CEO Tim Cook, who is reportedly focused on achieving significant AI milestones during his remaining years at Apple.

Succession Planning and Strategic Shifts

This organizational shakeup also coincides with broader succession discussions at Apple, as Tim Cook’s eventual retirement becomes a topic of speculation among the board and senior leadership. While no decisions have been finalized regarding Cook’s successor, the recruitment of Subramanya marks a notable shift toward bringing in external expertise, in contrast to Giannandrea’s internal rise within Apple.

Looking Ahead: Apple’s AI Ambitions

Tim Cook has reiterated the central role of AI in Apple’s future, expressing confidence that Subramanya’s background will help drive the company’s AI initiatives forward. Subramanya’s experience, which includes work on Google’s Gemini Assistant and Microsoft’s AI infrastructure, is expected to help Apple address its challenges in catching up with rivals that have heavily invested in advanced AI models and cloud technologies.

As Apple navigates this new chapter, its ability to blend Subramanya’s expertise with its tradition of hardware innovation will be crucial. The company’s late entry into generative AI and ongoing struggles with Siri highlight the importance of this leadership transition. With Subramanya now steering AI efforts, Apple’s success will depend on delivering powerful, user-centric AI features that strengthen its ecosystem and keep pace in a rapidly evolving market.