End of an era at Apple as Tim Cook’s hopeful hire from Google leaves the company

Eight years ago, Apple CEO Tim Cook hired someone from Google to help run the former’s AI and machine learning operations. John Giannandrea, unfortunately, was not able to ensure the smooth delivery of Apple Intelligence and a new Siri digital assistant — not necessarily because of a personal failing — and is now about to leave the company.

Giannandrea’s tenure at Apple

Over the last eight years, John Giannandrea has served as the senior vice president of machine learning and AI strategy at Apple. His most important task came about in 2024, when the company showed off its upcoming suite of AI features at WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) 2024.
Late last year, following the continued stumbles with Siri and Apple Intelligence, it was announced that Giannandrea would soon be leaving the company. The process for his exit had begun a long time before that, as his role overseeing AI development at Apple had been severely…