Why is Tim Cook trending amid John Giannandrea’s exit as Apple’s AI head? Check full story here – Technology

Apple is going through major reshuffling, as after announcing his retirement in 2025, John Giannandrea, Apple’s head of artificial intelligence and machine learning, has been appointed to an advisory role at the company. With his contracted stock options set to expire on April 15, 2026, Giannandrea is expected to leave Apple Park shortly thereafter, marking the end of his eight-year tenure at the tech giant.

Giannandrea’s departure represents a shift in Apple Inc.’s AI leadership and strategy. As the former head of AI development at Google, he was brought in to strengthen Apple’s capabilities in areas like Siri and the now-abandoned Apple Car project. However, over the years, Apple gradually reduced his responsibilities, leading to his transition to an advisory role before his departure.

Giannandrea’s initial role at Apple in 2018 involved enhancing Siri and the Apple Car project. Over time, his responsibilities shifted more toward Apple’s backend machine learning and AI features rather than the consumer-facing Siri.

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In March 2025, Apple transferred control of Siri from Giannandrea to Mike Rockwell, who reports directly to Craig Federighi. Following the announcement of Giannandrea’s retirement in 2025, Apple largely reduced his role, redistributing responsibilities among Federighi, Eddy Cue, and COO Sabih Khan.

John Giannandrea, the former head of AI and machine learning at Apple, joined the company in 2018 after leading AI development at Google. In March 2025, Mike Rockwell took over control of Siri, reporting directly to Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, who oversees Siri and broader AI initiatives. Following the reduction of Giannandrea’s role, Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, and Sabih Khan, the company’s chief operating officer, also assumed portions of his responsibilities.

“Our technology must be infused with the values we all hold dear. John shares our commitment to privacy and our thoughtful approach as we make computers even smarter and more personal.” said Tim Cook

It remains unclear whether Apple will retain Giannandrea in an advisory role after his stock options vest on April 15, 2026.

Giannandrea’s departure represents a major change in Apple’s AI leadership and strategy. The gradual reduction in his responsibilities raises questions about the future direction of the company’s AI and machine learning efforts, which were a key focus during his tenure.