Apple's AI strategy head suddenly replaced... bringing in talent from Google and Microsoft to launch a counterattack.

Apple Inc. ( AAPL ) suddenly changed its artificial intelligence ( AI ) strategy leader. On the 1st local time, Apple announced the hiring of Amar Subramanya (, who previously led AI at Google ) GOOGL ( and Microsoft ) MSFT (, to replace John Giannandrea ). This personnel change is interpreted as a strong signal that Apple is making a strong push to gain AI competitiveness.

John Giannandrea joined Apple in 2018 and has been responsible for enhancing the performance of the voice assistant Siri, as well as overseeing search and machine learning initiatives. However, due to the lack of preparation and poor results of the “Apple Intelligence” ( update announced at WWDC 2024 last June, he lost control of the Siri project in March. Since then, his responsibilities have shifted to core AI model development, with his retirement scheduled for early next year.

According to sources familiar with the situation, CEO ) Tim Cook ( is believed to no longer trust the leadership abilities of Jann Andreessen. According to Bloomberg, due to repeated delays in the core updates of Siri, an informal discussion was held at an Apple executive meeting about reducing Jann Andreessen's responsibilities and future strategy. After this process, the decision was ultimately made to replace him.

The newly joined Amar Subramanian previously led AI engineering at Google for 16 years and recently worked at Microsoft. Apple plans to have him report directly to Senior Vice President of Software Engineering Craig Federighi), overseeing the development of core AI foundational models, machine learning research, and the AI safety and evaluation department.

CEO Tim Cook emphasized in an official statement: “I am deeply grateful to John Giannandrea for his contributions to building AI capabilities.” “AI has long been at the core of Apple's strategy, and the addition of Amarr Subramania marks a new chapter in this strategy.” He added: “The new version of Siri is expected to be released next year, and Vice President Federighi is leading this effort.”

Recently, Apple has been evaluated as lagging behind competitors in several areas such as generative AI, personalized services, and semiconductor optimization AI models. As a result, there is an increasing call within Apple for more aggressive reforms, and this personnel change is seen as part of that transformation. Industry experts believe that the introduction of Subramanian could become an opportunity for Apple to re-establish its AI identity.