Apple Shifts Robotics Team from AI Division
Apple is undergoing significant changes within its artificial intelligence (AI) division, reportedly breaking it up and relocating key product operations. The tech giant is moving its robotics group to the hardware engineering division, following the earlier transfer of Siri to the software engineering team. This restructuring appears to be a response to perceived shortcomings in Apple’s AI capabilities, which have led to delays in product rollouts and a desire to return to a more traditional functional organizational structure.
Restructuring the AI Division
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is attempting to restructure its AI division after six years of operation. Before 2018, the company utilized a functional organizational model, which allowed different divisions—such as hardware engineering, software engineering, and services—to collaborate on various aspects of product development. This approach contrasts with the current product-based business units that have emerged in recent years.
To enhance its focus on AI technology, Apple appointed John Giannandrea as Senior Vice President of Machine Learning and AI Strategy, who previously worked at Google. Under his leadership, the company began consolidating various AI projects, including Siri, Apple Intelligence, and the now-discontinued self-driving car initiative. This shift marked a departure from Apple’s traditional functional hierarchy, but it appears that the company is now reassessing this strategy.
Gurman reports that Apple is feeling the pressure of falling behind its competitors in the AI space. The company has experienced multiple delays in launching new features for Apple Intelligence, particularly upgrades to Siri. As a result, Apple is reconsidering the future of its AI division and its overall approach to artificial intelligence.
Key Changes and Leadership Shifts
In March, Giannandrea lost oversight of Siri, which was reassigned to Mike Rockwell, who is currently leading the development of visionOS. Now, the robotics group is also being moved out of the AI division and will be integrated into the hardware engineering department, overseen by John Ternus. This transition highlights Apple’s strategic pivot as it seeks to streamline its operations and enhance its focus on hardware development.
The robotics group is reportedly a significant area of interest for Apple. Earlier this year, reports indicated that the company is working on non-humanoid robots, with the first products expected to enter production by 2028. This initiative underscores Apple’s commitment to innovation in robotics, even as it reconfigures its AI division.
Future of AI at Apple
The decision to remove projects from the AI division reflects Apple’s growing dissatisfaction with Giannandrea’s leadership. There are indications that the company is preparing for his eventual departure, and it is unlikely that his position will be filled once he leaves. Instead, Apple seems poised to revert to its previous functional organizational structure, which may allow for more efficient collaboration across different teams.
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