Apple Restructures AI Team, Bets on External Expertise to Close Gap

Apple's AI chief, John Giannandrea, is stepping down from his role as senior vice president of machine learning and AI strategy, marking the end of a tenure defined by challenges in keeping pace with generative AI advancements at peer tech companies. The executive, who joined Apple from Google in 2018, will leave the company entirely in spring 2026 after a transitional period, [according to a statement from Apple](https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/apple-s-ai-head-john-giannandrea-to-leave-in-spring-after-chaotic-stint-125120200071_1.html). His exit comes as the company faces criticism for delays in rolling out AI-driven features, including a revamped version of Siri and its Apple Intelligence platform, which has been deemed subpar compared to offerings from OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft [according to the report](https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/apple-s-ai-head-john-giannandrea-to-leave-in-spring-after-chaotic-stint-125120200071_1.html).

Giannandrea's departure signals a significant restructuring of Apple's AI leadership. The company will not replace him but will instead decentralize the AI team, with staff now reporting to software chief Craig Federighi, Chief Operating Officer Sabih Khan, and services head Eddy Cue. [Amar Subramanya](https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/apple-s-ai-head-john-giannandrea-to-leave-in-spring-after-chaotic-stint-125120200071_1.html), a seasoned AI researcher with 16 years at Google and a recent corporate vice president of AI at Microsoft, has been appointed as Apple's new vice president of AI. Subramanya will oversee Apple Foundation Models, machine learning research, and AI safety and evaluation-key areas previously managed by Giannandrea [according to financial analysis](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/apple-ai-chief-giannandrea-step-232735596.html).

The leadership shift reflects broader pressures on Apple to accelerate its AI development. While Giannandrea helped establish the modern AI team at Apple, the company has struggled to match the pace of competitors in generative AI, [entering the space two years after OpenAI's ChatGPT revolutionized the field](https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/apple-s-ai-head-john-giannandrea-to-leave-in-spring-after-chaotic-stint-125120200071_1.html). Analysts note that Apple's delays and mixed reviews for its Apple Intelligence suite highlight the urgency of the transition. [Gene Munster, a tech analyst, suggested](https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/12/49152971/gene-munster-says-apples-ai-chief-was-probably-requested-to-retire-by-tim-cook-as-ceo-is-very-intense-about-his-final-years) that Giannandrea's exit may have been requested by Cook, who is "very intense about his final years at Apple" and pushing for tangible AI results.

The reshuffle also aligns with Apple's broader succession planning as Cook approaches potential retirement. [The company's board and senior executives are reportedly discussing](https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/12/49152971/gene-munster-says-apples-ai-chief-was-probably-requested-to-retire-by-tim-cook-as-ceo-is-very-intense-about-his-final-years) potential successors for the CEO role, with no formal decision yet. Meanwhile, the appointment of Subramanya signals a strategic pivot toward external expertise, contrasting with Giannandrea's internal growth at Apple.

Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, emphasized the importance of AI to the company's long-term strategy, stating that Subramanya's expertise will help advance Apple's AI initiatives. "AI has long been central to Apple's strategy, and we are pleased to welcome Amar to Craig's leadership team," Cook said in a statement [according to financial analysis](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/apple-ai-chief-giannandrea-step-232735596.html). Subramanya's background, including his work on Google's Gemini Assistant and Microsoft's AI infrastructure, positions him to address Apple's challenges in catching up to rivals that have invested heavily in frontier AI models and cloud-based infrastructure [according to market analysis](https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/12/49151380/apple-reshapes-ai-leadership-as-longtime-chief-john-giannandrea-steps-down).

As the AI landscape evolves, Apple's ability to integrate Subramanya's experience with its hardware-centric innovation will be critical. The company's delayed entry into generative AI and ongoing challenges with Siri's updates underscore the high stakes of this leadership change. With Subramanya now at the helm, Apple's AI ambitions will hinge on delivering robust, user-focused innovations that align with its ecosystem while competing in an increasingly crowded and fast-moving market.