Apple Taps Former microsoft AI Lead to Spearhead Next-Generation Initiatives
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA – Apple has appointed Ahmed Sabbir, formerly corporate vice president of AI at Microsoft, as its new head of Artificial Intelligence, replacing John Giannandrea. The move signals Apple’s intensified focus on AI development as it navigates challenges with its Siri voice assistant and aims to integrate advanced AI features across its product ecosystem.
Sabbir brings to Apple a ample track record in the field,including 16 years at Google where he contributed to the development of the Google Gemini assistant. Apple lauded his “deep expertise in AI and machine learning,” positioning him as crucial to the company’s ongoing and future AI strategy. This appointment arrives at a pivotal moment for Apple, which has faced setbacks in its AI ambitions and is under pressure to deliver competitive AI-powered experiences.
Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, expressed gratitude to Giannandrea for his contributions and underscored the company’s long-standing commitment to AI. “AI has been an important part of Apple’s future plan for years,” Cook stated, welcoming Sabbir to the leadership team and anticipating a collaborative future. The shift also elevates the role of Craig Federighi, a key figure in Apple’s AI developments, particularly concerning the evolution of Siri.
The leadership change follows delays in the planned AI overhaul of Siri, initially slated for iOS 18 but pushed to a spring 2026 release. these delays contributed to an exodus of AI employees from Apple,and reports suggest the company is exploring partnerships with Google to leverage its gemini technology for Siri’s advancement. Sabbir’s background at google is widely seen as strategically aligned with these potential collaborations and the urgent need to revitalize Apple’s AI offerings.
