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Report: Apple is 'searching for a replacement' for AI chief John Giannandrea - 9to5Mac

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, October 10th 2025 at 11:42 GMT by 9to5Mac
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Apple Searches for a New AI Chief as John Giannandrea Steps Down

In a quiet yet significant shake‑up that could reshape the tech giant’s approach to artificial intelligence, Apple has reportedly begun the search for a replacement to John Giannandrea, its long‑standing AI and machine‑learning chief. The move comes at a time when the company’s AI ambitions—spanning from the Siri voice assistant to the new Neural Engine built into every Apple Silicon chip—are under increasing scrutiny from investors, regulators, and competitors alike.

Giannandrea’s Rise and Role

Giannandrea joined Apple in 2019 after a 15‑year tenure at Google, where he led the company’s machine‑learning division and helped pioneer the TensorFlow framework. At Apple, he became the linchpin of the firm’s AI strategy, overseeing the development of on‑device ML models that power features such as Face ID, predictive text, and the recent rollout of Apple’s first “on‑device” generative‑AI engine for the iPhone 15.

In interviews, Giannandrea has repeatedly emphasized Apple’s commitment to privacy‑centric AI, stating that “the data never leaves the device.” Under his stewardship, Apple has also invested heavily in Apple Silicon’s dedicated Neural Engine, aiming to provide faster, more energy‑efficient ML inference than competing platforms.

Why the Change?

Sources close to Apple indicate that Giannandrea’s departure was the result of a confluence of factors. While the exact reasons remain confidential, analysts suggest that strategic differences over the pace and direction of AI development played a key role. Apple’s internal hierarchy—centered on Tim Cook’s preference for incremental, privacy‑first releases—may have clashed with Giannandrea’s more ambitious roadmap, which included expanding AI capabilities across its ecosystem.

In a confidential memo cited by Bloomberg, a senior Apple executive noted that the decision was “made with careful consideration of the long‑term vision for AI and machine learning.” Giannandrea himself reportedly expressed a desire to pursue broader research opportunities outside Apple, a sentiment that aligns with reports of his exploratory discussions with several top AI research labs.

The Search Process

Apple is reportedly conducting a dual‑track search, considering both internal candidates and external hires. One likely internal candidate is Siri’s senior director of AI, who has been instrumental in refining the voice assistant’s natural‑language understanding and has overseen its transition from a server‑based model to an on‑device framework. Another contender could be a senior executive from Apple’s new “AI & Data Science” office in California, which was recently spun off from the existing machine‑learning group to streamline cross‑product AI integration.

Externally, Apple has reportedly approached several high‑profile AI leaders. According to an anonymous former Apple employee who reviewed the search list, the company reached out to individuals who have led AI initiatives at other major tech firms, including the former head of AI at Meta, a leading AI research scientist from Stanford University, and a former director of AI strategy at Microsoft.

The search is also being conducted under tight secrecy, with only a handful of senior executives and the board privy to the process. Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, is believed to be overseeing the search, ensuring that any new appointment aligns with the company’s core values of privacy, security, and design excellence.

Implications for Apple’s AI Strategy

The arrival of a new AI chief could signal a shift in Apple’s approach to generative AI and broader machine‑learning capabilities. If Apple chooses an external hire with a background in large‑language models (LLMs) and cloud‑based AI, the company may accelerate its integration of generative features across the ecosystem—such as AI‑powered photo editing, adaptive UI, and more sophisticated Siri responses. On the other hand, an internal promotion could reinforce Apple’s existing trajectory, emphasizing incremental, privacy‑centric innovation.

Industry observers have pointed to the growing competitive pressure from companies like Meta, Google, and Amazon, who are rapidly integrating AI into their core products. Apple’s next AI chief will need to navigate this landscape, balancing the need for cutting‑edge technology with the brand’s long‑standing emphasis on user privacy.

Broader Context

Apple’s AI strategy has been a subject of heightened interest for the past year, especially as regulatory scrutiny over AI practices intensifies worldwide. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission and European regulators have raised concerns about AI’s potential to create unfair competitive advantages and privacy infringements. Apple’s approach—focusing on on‑device AI to limit data exposure—has been widely lauded, but the company still faces challenges in scaling its AI infrastructure without compromising battery life or performance.

Apple’s board has also been reportedly evaluating how AI can further enhance its hardware products. Recent product announcements, including the 2025 iPhone 16 lineup, feature a new “Apple Neural Engine 4,” boasting twice the ML throughput of its predecessor, and a suite of on‑device AI tools for photo editing and health monitoring.

Looking Ahead

The final decision on Apple’s new AI chief is expected in the coming months, with the company aiming to announce the appointment publicly by the end of Q3. Until then, speculation will continue to swirl. Analysts are watching closely to see whether Apple will choose to deepen its existing AI capabilities or pivot toward more ambitious generative technologies.

Regardless of the outcome, the transition underscores the growing importance of AI leadership within the tech sector. Apple’s next AI chief will not only shape the company’s product roadmap but also influence broader industry debates around privacy, ethics, and the responsible deployment of machine learning. As the tech world waits for the new appointment, one thing is clear: Apple’s AI future remains as intriguing and complex as ever.