Apple just named a new AI chief with Google and Microsoft expertise, as John Giannandrea steps down

Core Insights - Apple is undergoing a leadership change in its AI division, with John Giannandrea stepping down and Amar Subramanya taking over as the new AI chief [1][10] - The transition is seen as a necessary response to the struggles faced by Apple Intelligence since its launch in October 2024, which has received negative reviews [2][3] Leadership Change - John Giannandrea, who has been with Apple since 2018, will remain as an advisor until spring [1] - Amar Subramanya, previously a Microsoft executive and leader of engineering for the Gemini Assistant at Google, is viewed as a strategic hire due to his industry experience [1][10] Performance Issues - Apple Intelligence has faced significant challenges, including false reporting incidents that led to public embarrassment [3] - The overhaul of Siri has been problematic, with a Bloomberg investigation revealing that many promised features were non-functional prior to launch, resulting in class-action lawsuits from customers [5][8] Organizational Challenges - Reports indicate a lack of communication between AI and marketing teams, budget misalignments, and a leadership crisis within the AI division, leading to a negative workplace culture [8] - There has been a notable exodus of AI researchers to competitors like OpenAI, Google, and Meta, indicating potential talent retention issues [8] Strategic Direction - Apple is reportedly considering leveraging Google's Gemini technology for the next version of Siri, marking a significant shift in strategy given the historical rivalry between the two companies [9][10] - The company has focused on on-device AI processing using its custom Apple Silicon chips, prioritizing user privacy over extensive data collection, which may limit the capabilities of its AI models compared to competitors [11]