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Even as Apple’s AI chief steps down, the company’s advanced machine learning infrastructure remains a key focus for the tech giant.Cupertino todayJohn Gianandrea, Apple’s head of artificial intelligence and machine learning, has been reduced to an advisory role at the company after announcing his retirement in 2025. The vesting date for his stock options is April 15, 2026, and Gianandrea is expected to leave Apple Park shortly thereafter, ending his eight-year tenure at the tech giant.
why is it important
Gianandrea’s departure represents a shift in Apple’s AI leadership and strategy. Gianandrea, who was Google’s head of AI development, was brought in to strengthen Apple’s capabilities in areas such as Siri and the now-abandoned Apple Car project. However, his responsibilities were gradually reduced over the years, culminating in his transition to an advisory role prior to his retirement.
detail
When Gianandrea joined Apple in 2018, he was expected to work on improvements to Siri and the Apple Car. But over the next few years, his responsibilities shifted from focusing on consumer-facing Siri to focusing on Apple’s back-end machine learning and AI capabilities. In March 2025, control of Siri was taken away from Gianandrea and given to Mike Rockwell, who reports to Craig Federighi. After Gianandrea’s retirement was announced in 2025, his role almost completely disappeared and his responsibilities were shared among Federighi, Eddie Cue and COO Sabi Khan.
- Gianandrea joined Apple from Google in 2018.
- In March 2025, control of Siri was taken away from Gianandrea.
- Gianandrea’s retirement was announced in 2025.
- The stock options signed by Mr. Gianandrea are scheduled to vest on April 15, 2026.
players
John Gianandrea
He is the former head of artificial intelligence and machine learning at Apple, and joined the company in 2018 after leading AI development at Google.
mike rockwell
Apple executive who took over management of Siri in March 2025, reporting directly to Craig Federighi.
craig federighi
He is Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, overseeing Siri and other AI-related efforts.
eddy cue
Senior Vice President of Services at Apple. He took over some of Mr. Gianandrea’s responsibilities after his role was reduced.
Sabi Khan
He was Apple’s chief operating officer and also took over some of Gianandrea’s responsibilities after his role was reduced.
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what they are saying
“Our technology must be infused with the values we all hold dear. John shares his commitment to privacy and thoughtful approach to making computers smarter and more personal.”
— Tim Cook, Apple CEO
what’s next
It’s unclear whether Apple wants Gianandrea to continue in an advisory role after the stock options vest on April 15, 2026.
Take-out
Gianandrea’s departure signals a major shift in Apple’s AI leadership and strategy, as the company appears to have reduced Gianandrea’s responsibilities and influence over time. This raises questions about the future direction of Apple’s AI and machine learning efforts, which were key areas of focus during Gianandrea’s tenure.
