Employees cite slow progress on generative AI, delays in Apple Intelligence, and a Siri overhaul (that is running 18 months behind schedule) as reasons for leaving
Apple is facing its biggest leadership turnover in decades as several top executives are leaving the company during a critical moment for its artificial intelligence ambitions.
Within a week, Apple’s head of interface design, Alan Dye, stepped down to join Meta, and Katherine Adams, the company’s general counsel, and John Giannandrea, the AI chief, are set to retire soon. All of them report directly to CEO Tim Cook. The exits mark an unusual level of C-suite disruption for a company long known for stability.
According to Bloomberg, the senior VP of hardware tech and the architect of Apple’s in-house chip strategy, Johny Srouji, is also considering leaving despite Cook offering significant incentives to retain him.
At the same time, Meta, OpenAI, Google, and multiple startups are aggressively poaching Apple engineers.
More than a dozen top AI researchers have departed, including leaders responsible for Siri, AI models, and robotics. Employees cite slow progress on generative AI, delays in Apple Intelligence, and a Siri overhaul (that is running 18 months behind schedule) as reasons for leaving.
A new power structure emerges
Apple is redistributing responsibilities as it tries to regain momentum. Hardware chief John Ternus is rising as a key internal leader, while software head Craig Federighi has become Apple’s de facto AI chief.
Despite the turbulence, Cook insists Apple is building its most ambitious product lineup, including foldable devices, smart glasses, and home robots, as the company works to rebuild its ranks and compete in the fast-moving AI era.