Apple names new AI chief with Google and Microsoft expertise as Giannandrea steps down
38 Sources
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Apple just named a new AI chief with Google and Microsoft expertise, as John Giannandrea steps down | TechCrunch
In a carefully worded announcement on Monday, Apple said John Giannandrea, who has been the company's AI chief since 2018, is "stepping down" to, well, not work at Apple anymore. He'll stick around through spring as an advisor. His replacement is Amar Subramanya, a highly regarded Microsoft
[2]
Apple AI chief steps down following Siri setbacks
Giannandrea, who joined Apple in 2018, will continue working as an advisor before retiring in the spring of 2026. In March, Apple pushed back the release of a more personalized Siri, admitting that "it's taking longer than we thought." Bloomberg later reported that Apple CEO Tim Cook had "lost
[3]
After Siri Upgrade Delay, Apple Announces New AI Chief
Apple's AI chief John Giannandrea is stepping down from his position and will be replaced by Amar Subramanya, the former head of engineering for Google's Gemini assistant, the company announced on Monday. Giannandrea will continue to serve the company in a limited capacity before he retires in
[4]
Apple shuffles AI leadership team in bid to fix Siri mess
Amar Subramanya spent mere months at Microsoft before replacing John Giannandrea Apple's failure to deliver advanced AI capabilities has triggered a changing of the guard. AI chief John Giannandrea is stepping down in favor of a new leader to steady the Siri ship. Giannandrea, who joined Apple in
[5]
Apple's artificial intelligence chief is stepping down, company says
Apple's head of artificial intelligence, John Giannandrea, will step down from his position, the company announced on Monday. The move is the most visible shakeup in Apple's artificial intelligence group since the company announced Apple Intelligence, its AI software suite, in 2024. Apple
[6]
Apple hires Google veteran as its new vice president of AI
Apple has tapped AI researcher Amar Subramanya, a longtime Google exec who was most recently corporate vice president of AI at Microsoft, as its new VP of AI. The company also announced that current AI exec, John Giannandrea, will retire in 2026. Subramanya, who Apple describes as a "renowned AI
[7]
Apple Has Announced the Retirement and Apparent Replacement of the Guy Formerly in Charge of Siri
In a press release today, Apple announced the retirement of John Giannandrea, a former machine learning luminary who worked as Apple's senior vice president for machine learning and AI strategy starting in 2018. The move comes after Apple's most famous AI product, Siri, had developed a reputation
[8]
Three challenges that Apple's new AI lead will face from day one - 9to5Mac
Amar Subramanya will likely become one of the most closely watched hires Apple has made in years. Here's what he needs to do first. Following the retirement announcement of John Giannandrea, Apple confirmed that Amar Subramanya will join the company after less than six months as Corporate Vice
[9]
Apple Removes Former AI Chief John Giannandrea From Executive Leadership Page
Apple today updated its executive leadership page to remove John Giannandrea, who is set to retire from Apple next spring. Earlier this week, Apple said that Giannandrea would step down from his role as AI chief, serving as an advisor until he leaves the company. Giannandrea's upcoming retirement
[10]
Apple Intelligence's future uncertain following big leadership changes in Apple's AI team -- here's why this could be the best outcome
Apple's head of Artificial Intelligence, John Giannandrea, has announced that he will be leaving the company after running the team since 2018. And Apple hasn't wasted any time finding his replacement. Amar Subramanya, a Microsoft executive who spent 16 years at Google, will be taking over the
[11]
Apple AI chief John Giannandrea is stepping down
Apple has formally announced that John Giannandrea, its Senior VP of Machine Learning and AI, is stepping down from his position. He will serve as an advisor to the company before retiring in the spring of 2026. Giannandrea will not be directly replaced by a Senior VP role, but by a Vice
[12]
Microsoft and Google AI veteran to replace outgoing Apple exec John Giannandrea
Subramanya spent six months as Microsoft's AI CVP and nearly six years working on Gemini/Bard for Google Apple has announced that Machine Learning and AI Strategy SVP John Giannandrea will be stepping down after nearly eight years in post. Giannandrea will remain as an advisor until Spring 2026,
[13]
Apple's AI chief steps down after string of setbacks
John Giannandrea to be replaced by Amar Subramanya as firm lags behind rivals in releasing generative AI features Apple's head of artificial intelligence, John Giannandrea, is stepping down from the company. The move comes as the Silicon Valley giant has lagged behind its competitors in rolling
[14]
Meet Amar Subramanya, the 46-year-old Google and Microsoft veteran who will now steer Apple's supremely important AI strategy | Fortune
In a company announcement, Apple said Subramanya will report to software chief Craig Federighi and take charge of "Apple Foundation Models, ML research, and AI Safety and Evaluation," placing him at the center of the tech underpinning future AI features across the iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Apple's
[15]
AppleInsider.com
Apple has announced that senior vice president for Machine Learning and AI Strategy, John Giannandrea, is retiring and being replaced by Amar Subramanya, formerly a Microsoft AI executive. After months of internal reorganizing and speculation around Giannandrea's fate at Apple, the news has
[16]
John Giannandrea leaving Apple following AI strategy miss - 9to5Mac
Apple has announced that John Giannandrea, the company's Machine Learning and AI Strategy boss, is retiring from the company. The move may not come as a surprise for anyone closely following Apple and its AI missteps over the last few years. Here's the news from the official press release: Apple
[17]
Apple AI chief leaving as iPhone maker plays catch-up
San Francisco (United States) (AFP) - Apple on Monday said the head of its artificial intelligence team is stepping down, and the effort is to be led by a veteran engineer from Google and Microsoft. The plan for Apple senior vice president of Machine Learning and AI Strategy John Giannandrea to
[18]
Apple's AI chief abruptly steps down
John Giannandrea, senior vice president of machine learning and AI strategy at Apple Inc., during the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference at Apple Park campus in Cupertino, Calif., on June 10, 2024.David Paul Morris / Bloomberg via Getty Images file Apple's top artificial intelligence executive
[19]
Apple's AI chief paid the price for the company's stalled progress
Apple's AI boss, John Giannandrea, is stepping down after seven years on the job. Apple's stock price got a slight boost on the news, as some investors saw Apple signaling a new urgency to bring AI to its devices. Following a transition period, Giannandrea will "retire" next spring, Apple said in
[20]
Apple names former Microsoft, Google executive to replace current AI chief - SiliconANGLE
Apple names former Microsoft, Google executive to replace current AI chief Apple Inc. today announced the departure of its AI chief, John Giannandrea, who will be replaced by AI researcher Amar Subramanya, a longtime Google LLC executive who more recently worked for Microsoft Corp. Giannandrea
[21]
Bangalore University Alumnus Appointed Apple's VP of AI | AIM
The company's leadership changes come as Apple faces sustained criticism over its standing in the AI race. Apple announced on December 1 that John Giannandrea, the company's senior vice president for machine learning and AI strategy, is stepping down from his role. Amar Subramanya, who worked at
[22]
Apple's AI chief steps down as company falls behind in tech race
Apple's head of artificial intelligence and machine learning has stepped down from the company. John Giannandrea, the current senior vice president for machine Learning and AI strategy, will be replaced by former Microsoft AI executive Amar Subramanya. Mr Subramanya has overseen the development
[23]
Apple's AI chief, who failed to deliver a smarter Siri, is retiring
Apple is parting ways with its head of artificial intelligence, John Giannandrea, who will retire from his position next spring after a nearly eight-year stint that was marred by the company's AI shortcomings and failure to release a promised upgrade to its personal assistant, Siri. The company
[24]
The man who ran Google's Gemini now takes over Apple AI
Apple announced on Monday that John Giannandrea, its AI chief since 2018, is stepping down from his role while remaining as an adviser through spring. The company appointed Amar Subramanya, a former Microsoft executive with extensive Google experience, as his replacement to address ongoing
[25]
Apple Just Parted Ways With Its Head of AI Over a Key Feature That Still Frustrates Users
Giannandrea joined Apple in 2018, and has been the key figure responsible for Apple's proprietary AI models, research into Apple-made AI infrastructure, and AI-powered search and knowledge-gathering applications. According to The Information, Giannandrea was frequently embroiled in turf wars
[26]
Amar Subramanya to Replace John Giannandrea as Apple's VP of AI
* Subramanya has joined Apple as the VP of AI * Before Apple, he was working in Microsoft as CVP of AI * The AI researcher has also worked at Google and IBM Amar Subramanya, an artificial intelligence (AI) researcher, has joined Apple as the company's Vice President of AI. The Cupertino-based
[27]
Amar Subramanya: Meet the Bangalore University graduate who is appointed as Apple's new VP of AI
Apple has appointed veteran AI researcher Amar Subramanya as its new vice president of AI, replacing John Giannandrea, who will retire in 2026. Subramanya will oversee Apple's foundation models and machine-learning research, reporting to software chief Craig Federighi, as Apple tries to catch up
[28]
Gene Munster Says Apple's AI Chief Was Probably Requested To 'Retire' By Tim Cook, As CEO Is 'Very Intense' About His Final Years - Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)
On Monday, Deepwater Asset Management's managing partner Gene Munster thinks Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) CEO Tim Cook's drive to advance artificial intelligence is intensifying as longtime AI chief John Giannandrea plans to retire in spring 2026. Apple AI Shakeup Aligns With Siri Update Apple
[29]
Apple Tosses Its AI Czar To The Curb For A Microsoft Exec
It seems the overhaul of Apple's AI team is not done yet. In what is its biggest AI-related shakeup so far, the Cupertino giant has announced a replacement for its AI chief, John Giannandrea. Apple has just announced that the head of its AI efforts, John Giannandrea, is departing the
[30]
Apple names Amar Subramanya new VP of AI, replacing John Giannandrea
Apple - a laggard in the AI race - has been slow to add AI features to its products in comparison to rivals such as Samsung Electronics, which have been quicker to refresh their devices with AI features. Apple on Monday named veteran researcher Amar Subramanya as its vice president of AI,
[31]
Apple Strengthens AI Leadership with Appointment of Amar Subramanya
This move positions Apple to strengthen its AI offerings across devices and services, bringing more advanced and intelligent experiences to users globally. Amar's expertise is expected to be central in closing the gap with competitors and delivering next-generation AI products aligned with Apple's
[32]
Apple Revamps AI Leadership Amid Siri Delays | PYMNTS.com
By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. Apple said Giannandrea will shift into an advisory role before retiring in
[33]
Apple Reshapes AI Leadership As Longtime Chief John Giannandrea Steps Down - Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)
Apple Inc (NASDAQ:APPL) announced a major leadership transition within its artificial intelligence group, marking the most significant reshuffle since launching its Apple Intelligence platform in 2024. * AAPL shares are testing new highs. See what the experts say here. According to an Apple press
[34]
Who is Amar Subramanya? Ex-Google and Microsoft AI researcher now leading Apple's AI push
Amar Subramanya: Apple has appointed AI veteran Amar Subramanya as its new VP of AI, succeeding John Giannandrea who retires in 2026. Subramanya, formerly of Microsoft and Google, will lead key AI initiatives. This move follows Apple's recent AI development challenges, including delays with its
[35]
Apple shakes up AI team as top exec John Giannandrea steps down
Apple's longtime artificial intelligence chief is leaving as the iPhone maker and its Siri voice assistant scramble to play catchup with AI rivals, the company said. John Giannandrea, who had served as Apple's senior vice president of machine learning and AI strategy since 2018, has stepped down
[36]
Major AI Update at Apple as John Giannandrea Exits and New Leaders Step In
Apple Splits AI Leadership Across Teams and Hires Amar Subramanya to Lead Next-Gen Siri and AI Models Apple has announced a major change in its artificial intelligence team. John Giannandrea is set to leave the company next year after a transition period. His exit ends a long and difficult stint
[37]
Apple names Amar Subramanya new VP of AI, replacing John Giannandrea
Dec 1 (Reuters) - Apple on Monday named veteran researcher Amar Subramanya as its vice president of AI, replacing John Giannandrea. Apple -- a laggard in the AI race -- has been slow to add AI features to its products in comparison to rivals such as Samsung Electronics, which have been quicker to
[38]
Apple hires Google and Microsoft veteran as new vice president of AI as John Giannandrea steps down
Apple has hired Amar Subramanya as its new vice president of AI. Apple has announced a major change in its leadership as John Giannandrea, the company's senior vice president for Machine Learning and AI Strategy, is stepping down. He will continue as an advisor until his retirement in the spring
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Apple replaces AI chief John Giannandrea with Amar Subramanya, a former Google Gemini engineering leader who recently worked at Microsoft. The move follows persistent struggles with Apple Intelligence and a delayed Siri overhaul, signaling a strategic shift as the company attempts to catch up in the AI race.
Apple AI Leadership Undergoes Major Transformation
Apple announced Monday that John Giannandrea is stepping down as the company's AI chief, a position he has held since 2018
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. The AI leadership change marks the most visible shakeup in Apple's artificial intelligence division since the company launched Apple Intelligence in 20245
. Giannandrea will remain at Apple as an advisor through spring 2026 before retiring, but his replacement takes effect immediately4
.Amar Subramanya, the new AI chief, brings extensive experience from both Google and Microsoft. He spent 16 years at Google, most recently leading engineering for the Gemini Assistant, before joining Microsoft as corporate vice president of AI just four months ago
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. As Apple's vice president of AI, Subramanya will report directly to software engineering SVP Craig Federighi, taking responsibility for foundation models, machine learning research, and AI safety and evaluation4
.Siri Setbacks Drive Leadership Restructuring
The timing of this AI leadership change reflects mounting pressure following the troubled rollout of Apple Intelligence. Since its October 2024 launch, the company's AI suite has faced harsh criticism, with reviews ranging from underwhelming to alarmed
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. The notification summary feature generated embarrassing false headlines in late 2024 and early 2025, including BBC complaints about fabricated news stories involving Luigi Mangione and darts player Luke Littler1
.The Siri overhaul became particularly problematic. A Bloomberg investigation revealed that when Craig Federighi tested the new Siri weeks before its planned April launch, many touted features simply didn't work
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. The Apple Intelligence delay triggered class-action lawsuits from iPhone 16 buyers who had been promised an AI-powered assistant1
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. Apple admitted in March that developing advanced Siri features was taking longer than expected, pushing the rollout to 20262
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.Organizational Issues Behind the Scenes
Before John Giannandrea stepping down was officially announced, Bloomberg reported that Tim Cook had already lost confidence in his AI leadership. In March, Cook stripped Siri oversight from Giannandrea entirely, handing it to Vision Pro creator Mike Rockwell
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. Apple's secretive robotics division was also removed from his control1
.The investigation painted a troubling picture of organizational issues, including weak communication between AI and marketing teams, budget misalignments, and severe dysfunction
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. Some employees mockingly referred to Giannandrea's group as "AI/MLess," while AI researchers departed for competitors including OpenAI, Google, and Meta1
.Related Stories
Google Gemini Integration and Strategic Pivot
In a striking development, Apple is reportedly leaning on Google Gemini integration to power the next version of Siri
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. This represents a significant shift for a company locked in intense rivalry with Google across mobile operating systems, app stores, browsers, and smart home devices for over 15 years1
.Analyst Marina Koytcheva of STL Partners suggested the move signals Apple knows it has lost ground in the AI race, hiring Subramanya from AI leaders Microsoft and Google to catch up in AI race
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. She warned that even Apple's substantial customer loyalty has limits, noting that users will demand the right experience or look elsewhere4
.Privacy-First Approach Faces Competitive Pressure
Apple has maintained a distinct strategy focused on on-device processing using custom Apple Silicon chips, avoiding data collection that competitors rely on
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. When complex requests require cloud processing, Apple routes them through Private Cloud Compute servers that process data temporarily before immediate deletion1
.This privacy-first AI philosophy comes with clear trade-offs. On-device models remain smaller and less capable than massive models running in competitors' data centers
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. Apple's reluctance to collect user data has forced researchers to train models on licensed and synthetic data rather than the extensive real-world information fueling rivals' systems1
. Whether this approach will pay off or leave Apple permanently behind remains an open question as Subramanya and Federighi face the challenge of delivering improved AI capabilities while maintaining Apple's privacy commitments1
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