Apple is reorganizing its AI strategy after the major Siri bug surrounding iOS 18 caused delays, team changes, and criticism. The planned relaunch of the voice assistant with Apple Intelligence is therefore under particular scrutiny. The departure of John Giannandrea, who was long responsible for AI work at Apple, marks a significant point in this reorganization and reveals Apple's priorities for the coming years.
The development of Apple Intelligence and the next generation of Siri has presented Apple with greater challenges in recent months than anticipated. At WWDC 2024, Apple unveiled a significantly more intelligent Siri, promising personalized features, contextual understanding, and improved app integration. However, in early 2025, disappointment set in when Apple admitted that the promised features would not be ready in time. The launch was postponed to spring 2026, and members of the AI team left the company. Against this backdrop, the change at the top of the AI team takes on particular significance.
The Farewell to John Giannandrea
Apple has confirmed that John Giannandrea will retire in spring 2026. He has been one of the most influential figures in Apple's AI strategy since 2018. His work included building the AI teams, conducting large parts of the research and development of Siri, and advancing various machine learning technologies. Despite his retirement, he will remain with the company as an advisor until 2026 to guide the transition.
Amar Subramanya takes over the management
Amar Subramanya, an experienced AI researcher, is joining Apple's team. He will serve as Vice President of AI, reporting directly to Chief Technology Officer Craig Federighi. Subramanya previously served as Corporate Vice President of AI at Microsoft and before that, spent 16 years at Google. He played a leading role in the development of the Gemini Assistant. Apple emphasizes that he brings in-depth expertise in AI and machine learning research, which will be crucial for Apple's future intelligence capabilities. He will be responsible for Apple Foundation Models, machine learning research, and the security and evaluation of AI systems.
Reorganization within Apple's leadership
Not all areas previously under Giannandrea's leadership will remain within the same department. Several teams are moving to Sabih Khan and Eddy Cue. These include AI Infrastructure and Search and Knowledge. Khan became Chief Operating Officer at the beginning of the year, succeeding Jeff Williams. Cue has been responsible for Apple Services for many years. This restructuring demonstrates that Apple no longer views AI as an isolated research area, but rather integrates it more closely into its operations and services.
Tim Cook's statement
Apple CEO Tim Cook praised Giannandrea for his role, emphasizing that he helped Apple expand its AI work and improve users' lives. Cook also stated that AI has long been a central part of Apple's strategy and that he looks forward to working with Subramanya. He highlighted that Federighi has already been instrumental in Apple's AI efforts, including overseeing the development of a more personalized Siri for the coming year.
The Siri error and its consequences
The transition at the top of Apple's AI strategy comes at a time when the company is grappling with significant delays to Siri and Apple Intelligence. The Siri features announced at WWDC 2024 were supposed to reach a new level of AI alongside the iPhone 16. However, in early 2025, Apple announced that the promised version of Siri could not be completed in time. Its release was postponed by more than a year.
The delay led to a noticeable exodus from the AI team. Working on features like personal context, screen perception, and improved app integration proved more complex than anticipated. These internal challenges created unrest and made it clear that the existing structure was no longer sufficient.
Rumors about a collaboration with Google
In parallel, there are indications that Apple is working with Google on a more advanced version of Siri. Google's AI technology is expected to play a role in bringing Apple's AI intelligence to the desired level more quickly. Apple itself has stated that it wants to accelerate its work on smarter, more trustworthy, and more personalized experiences. The new AI leadership core is intended to enable precisely that.
Apple's AI reboot is taking shape
The departure of John Giannandrea, the delays with Siri, and the comprehensive reorganization of AI divisions demonstrate that Apple is fundamentally overhauling its AI strategy. With Amar Subramanya, the company gains an experienced specialist tasked with modernizing Apple's AI ambitions. The coming years will determine whether Apple can reach the forefront of AI development with this new structure and whether the next generation of Siri truly lives up to Apple's own high standards. (Image: Shutterstock / Uladzik Kryhin)
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