Apple is witnessing another major leadership shake-up in its artificial intelligence efforts, as Robby Walker, one of the company’s most senior AI executives, prepares to leave next month, according to Bloomberg. Walker, who has been with Apple since 2013, was until recently leading the Answers, Information and Knowledge team and previously headed Siri before management of the voice assistant shifted to software chief Craig Federighi.
His exit comes at a critical moment for Apple, as concerns grow about its cautious and deliberate approach to AI. This strategy has reportedly led to delays in a major Siri upgrade and slowed the rollout of the Apple Intelligence suite, which includes ChatGPT integration. Meanwhile, rivals such as Google have been moving aggressively, embedding Gemini AI deeply into their flagship devices and expanding their AI capabilities at a rapid pace.
The timing is further complicated by Meta’s ongoing efforts to poach Apple’s AI talent. Earlier this year, Apple’s top AI models lead Ruoming Pang left for Meta, joined by researchers Mark Lee and Tom Gunter, who are now part of its Superintelligence Labs team. The departures highlight a growing challenge for Apple in retaining top AI talent at a time when leadership in generative AI is becoming one of the tech industry’s fiercest battlegrounds.
Bloomberg also reports that CEO Tim Cook has shifted Siri oversight to Mike Rockwell, head of the Vision Products Group, reflecting internal concerns over AI chief John Giannandrea’s execution on product development. This leadership shuffle underscores the urgency Apple faces in catching up with competitors who are already delivering advanced AI capabilities to consumers.
At its latest product launch, Apple focused on hardware announcements, unveiling a slimmer iPhone Air and updated models but provided little clarity on how it plans to close the widening AI gap with rivals. Industry observers will be watching closely to see how Apple’s next moves in AI product development shape its competitive standing in the months ahead.
