Apple has made a major internal move by shifting its robotics team out from under its AI and Machine Learning division. The team will now report directly to John Ternus, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware, as the company looks to prioritize future hardware initiatives.
Leadership Changes Reflect New Focus
This change follows growing concerns about delays in Apple’s AI initiatives, particularly with the rollout of its new Apple Intelligence features. After moving the Siri team under Vision Pro head Mike Rockwell, Apple is now reorganizing its robotics efforts to align more closely with hardware innovation. Although John Giannandrea remains the Senior Vice President of AI and ML, the move suggests a strategic pivot.
Possible Signals About Giannandrea’s Future
Reports suggest that CEO Tim Cook might be losing confidence in Giannandrea’s leadership. Some insiders even hint at the possibility of Giannandrea either shifting roles or eventually departing. For now, his team will continue developing core AI models to support projects like Siri and future robotics, but without direct oversight of hardware teams.
Rethinking Apple’s Approach to AI
Apple’s shift may reflect a broader rethink of how it views artificial intelligence. Instead of treating AI as a separate product, Apple could see it as a foundation supporting different devices. For example, a home robot could use AI for specific functions, but the robot itself would focus on hardware-driven interactions.
The new approach could either streamline future innovations or spark more internal changes, depending on how the strategy unfolds. As Apple continues to reorganize, many will watch closely to see whether these changes will accelerate its ambitions in AI and robotics.
