Apple Taps Samsung–Google–Microsoft Veteran Amar Subramanya to Lead Its AI Reboot.
Apple has overhauled its AI leadership at a pivotal time, appointing seasoned researcher Amar Subramanya as Vice President of AI to accelerate its next-generation Apple Intelligence strategy. The move follows increasing criticism that Apple has fallen behind rivals like Google, Samsung, and Microsoft in the global generative AI race.
Subramanya, who previously held senior roles at Microsoft, Google, and DeepMind, will now lead Apple’s Foundation Models, advanced machine learning research, and AI safety initiatives. He will report directly to Senior Vice President of Software Engineering Craig Federighi, signaling a major restructuring of Apple’s AI organization.
The leadership shift follows Apple’s decision to part ways with AI chief John Giannandrea, who oversaw the company’s AI efforts since 2018 but struggled to deliver competitive generative AI features. Giannandrea will remain an advisor until his spring 2026 retirement, but Apple’s latest organisational changes reflect mounting pressure to speed up innovation.
Why Apple is restructuring its AI division
The change comes as Apple grapples with delays and muted feedback around its upcoming AI push. The company postponed its major Siri AI upgrade to 2026, a setback that analysts say shook CEO Tim Cook’s confidence in Giannandrea’s ability to scale Apple’s AI roadmap.
Meanwhile, competitors rapidly integrated AI into smartphones, PCs, search engines, and productivity tools. With ChatGPT reshaping consumer expectations and Samsung’s Galaxy AI and Google’s Gemini already in the market, Apple has been criticized for being slow to adapt.
Who is Amar Subramanya?
Subramanya’s arrival marks a significant moment for Apple’s AI reboot. His career spans:
- Corporate VP of AI at Microsoft
- 16 years at Google, including leading engineering for the Gemini assistant
- Key roles at DeepMind in foundational AI research
At Apple, Subramanya will oversee:
- Foundation Models (the core engines of Apple Intelligence)
- Machine Learning & AI Research
- AI Safety & Evaluation
Responsibilities previously handled by Giannandrea will now be distributed among Federighi, COO Sabih Khan, and Services Head Eddy Cue, creating a more decentralized AI leadership structure.
CEO Tim Cook said Federighi has already played a critical role in driving Apple’s AI strategy, and Subramanya’s addition strengthens the company’s push toward high-quality, on-device AI. With iPhone, iPad, and Mac users waiting for Apple’s revamped Siri and upcoming device-level generative AI upgrades, Subramanya’s appointment signals Apple’s intent to reclaim leadership in AI-powered mobile computing, privacy-preserving foundation models, and next-gen user experiences.
