Apple’s AI Chief John Giannandrea Steps Down: Not Retiring Yet!

John Giannandrea’s New Venture Post-Apple

John Giannandrea, who left Apple two weeks ago at the age of 60, is not stepping into retirement but is instead moving on to an innovative new role. The former Apple AI chief is set to join a startup named CuspAI, as reported by Upstarts Media. CuspAI specializes in scientific AI. Giannandrea will work part-time, spearheading the efforts of the material sciences lab based in Cambridge, UK, to establish a new office in Silicon Valley and to hire AI experts.

Before his stint at Apple starting in 2018, Giannandrea had an extensive career at Google, where he led AI research for eight years. His vast network within the industry is expected to be a significant asset in his new role.

Challenges at Apple and Transition

As Apple’s Senior Vice President in charge of Machine Learning and AI Strategy, John Giannandrea faced setbacks with Apple Intelligence projects. The delay of the new Siri, announced for March 2025, led to a swift organizational change, with Mike Rockwell stepping in to take over the development of the voice assistant. Shortly thereafter, it was also revealed that Giannandrea had been relieved of his duties in Apple’s robotics division. Journalist Mark Gurman reported that Tim Cook had lost confidence in Giannandrea, suggesting that his removal from these key projects was a way to sidestep a potentially embarrassing dismissal.