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Apple has appointed researcher Amar Subramanya as vice president, tasking him with heading critical AI projects, including foundation models and machine learning integration. Subramanya brings extensive experience from his previous roles at Microsoft, where he led AI initiatives, and Google, where he oversaw engineering for the Gemini digital assistant. Apple highlighted his expertise in embedding AI into products as “important to Apple’s ongoing innovation and future Apple Intelligence features.”
Apple announced on Monday that John Giannandrea, senior vice president of Machine Learning and AI Strategy, will retire early next year, as the iPhone maker looks to strengthen its artificial intelligence efforts amid fierce competition from rivals like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI. Giannandrea, who has led Apple’s AI initiatives since joining the company in 2018, will remain an advisor during his remaining time at the firm.
Apple CEO Tim Cook praised Giannandrea’s contributions, stating, “We are thankful for the role John played in building and advancing our AI work.” Giannandrea’s departure comes as Apple has faced scrutiny for delays in AI product development, including the postponed launch of an improved Siri assistant, now promised for next year.
Cook emphasised that AI remains “central to Apple’s strategy” and welcomed Subramanya’s arrival, noting that he will report to Craig Federighi, senior vice president of Software Engineering. Federighi has played a key role in Apple’s AI work, including overseeing development of the next-generation Siri.
The move reflects Apple’s push to maintain pace in the rapidly evolving AI sector, where competitors are rapidly rolling out advanced models and features that are reshaping the way people interact with technology. On a recent earnings call, Cook reiterated Apple’s focus on combining its custom chips and devices with AI enhancements to improve products and services.
