Apple Quietly Ends Tenure of AI Chief John Giannandrea

Giannandrea, hired from Google in 2018, will depart Apple after his stock options vest on April 15.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:56pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly detailed, glowing 3D macro illustration of a complex, futuristic neural network or AI infrastructure, rendered in a luminous palette of neon cyan and magenta, conceptually representing the advanced, interconnected nature of Apple's AI systems.As Apple's AI chief departs, the company's advanced machine learning infrastructure remains a key focus for the tech giant.Cupertino Today

After announcing his retirement in 2025, Apple's head of artificial intelligence and machine learning, John Giannandrea, has been reduced to an advisory role at the company. With his contracted stock options set to vest on April 15, 2026, Giannandrea is expected to depart Apple Park shortly thereafter, marking the end of his eight-year tenure at the tech giant.

Why it matters

Giannandrea's departure represents a shift in Apple's AI leadership and strategy. As the former head of Google's AI development, Giannandrea was brought in to bolster Apple's capabilities in areas like 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 exit.

The details

When Giannandrea joined Apple in 2018, he was expected to work on improving Siri and the Apple Car. However, over the following years, his responsibilities grew to focus more on Apple's backend machine learning and AI features, rather than the consumer-facing Siri. In March 2025, control of Siri was taken away from Giannandrea and given to Mike Rockwell, who reports directly to Craig Federighi. After Giannandrea's retirement was announced in 2025, his role was almost completely eradicated, with his responsibilities divided between Federighi, Eddy Cue, and COO Sabih Khan.

  • Giannandrea joined Apple from Google in 2018.
  • In March 2025, control of Siri was taken away from Giannandrea.
  • Giannandrea's retirement was announced in 2025.
  • Giannandrea's contracted stock options are set to vest on April 15, 2026.

The players

John Giannandrea

The former head of artificial intelligence and machine learning at Apple, who joined the company in 2018 after leading AI development at Google.

Mike Rockwell

The Apple executive who took over control of Siri in March 2025, reporting directly to Craig Federighi.

Craig Federighi

Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering, who oversees Siri and other AI-related initiatives.

Eddy Cue

Apple's senior vice president of Services, who took on some of Giannandrea's responsibilities after his role was reduced.

Sabih Khan

Apple's chief operating officer, who also took on some of Giannandrea's responsibilities after his role was reduced.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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.”

— Tim Cook, Apple CEO

What’s next

It is unclear whether Apple will want Giannandrea to continue in an advisory role after his stock options vest on April 15, 2026.

The takeaway

Giannandrea's departure marks a significant shift in Apple's AI leadership and strategy, as the company appears to have reduced his responsibilities and influence over time. This raises questions about the future direction of Apple's AI and machine learning efforts, which were a key focus area during Giannandrea's tenure.