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CUPERTINO, CA: Apple has announced that John Giannandrea, senior vice president for Machine Learning and AI Strategy, will step down, handing over leadership of its AI division to veteran executive Amar Subramanya.
Giannandrea, who joined Apple Inc. in 2018 after a high-profile stint running AI and search at Google LLC, will remain with Apple in an advisory capacity until his planned retirement in spring 2026. The company credited him with laying the groundwork for its AI and machine-learning strategy, including platform work on Core ML and early efforts to re-engineer virtual assistant Siri.
Subramanya takes the helm at a moment seen by many as critical for Apple's AI competitiveness. Previously a corporate vice-president at Microsoft, he also spent 16 years at Google, including leading engineering on its Gemini AI assistant. In his new role, he will oversee Apple's foundational AI models, machine-learning research, and AI-safety efforts, reporting directly to software chief Craig Federighi.
The leadership change comes after a turbulent year inside Apple. In 2025, Giannandrea saw oversight of key projects such as Siri and Apple's robotics division removed, reportedly because the company's AI rollout lagged rivals and internal confidence in his ability to deliver had waned. Observers view the appointment of Subramanya as a signal of renewed urgency: Apple is aiming to accelerate AI development and restore momentum as competition intensifies across the industry.
