Apple Hires Amar Subramanya, Expanding its Team from Google’s Talent Pool

Apple Inc. is intensifying its efforts in artificial intelligence by appointing Amar Subramanya as vice president of AI. This strategic move aims to bolster Apple’s AI capabilities, which have lagged behind those of competitors like Microsoft and Google. Subramanya, who previously held positions at both companies, brings a wealth of experience to Apple. He is expected to oversee the company’s machine learning research and AI safety teams, taking over from retiring executive John Giannandrea.

Amar Subramanya’s Career Journey

Subramanya’s path in the tech industry is notable. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering from Bangalore University in 2001, he earned a PhD at the University of Washington in 2009. His dissertation focused on semi-supervised learning, a technique that can enhance AI systems with limited data. This expertise aligns perfectly with Apple’s focus on privacy and data handling.

Previous Roles and Achievements

Before joining Apple, Subramanya spent over 16 years at Google. He eventually led engineering efforts for the Gemini AI assistant, a multimodal system with up to 1.2 trillion parameters. His work integrated cutting-edge technologies into platforms like Search and YouTube. In July 2025, he briefly moved to Microsoft as corporate vice president of AI, contributing to the development of the Copilot enterprise chatbot.

The Competitive AI Landscape

The competition for AI talent in Silicon Valley is fierce. Recently, Microsoft recruited over 20 researchers from Google’s DeepMind, including Subramanya. This has created a pattern of talent moving between major tech firms, highlighting the need for intellectual capital to drive innovation in AI.

Challenges Faced by Apple

• Apple’s AI suite experienced significant issues, including generating false information through its notification summaries.
• The company has faced delays in overhauling its Siri virtual assistant, which is now scheduled for a significant upgrade in spring 2026.
• Giannandrea, Subramanya’s predecessor, struggled with transitioning research into tangible products.

Upcoming AI Initiatives

As Apple transitions under Subramanya’s leadership, several initiatives are in the pipeline. His primary focus will be on improving Siri and leveraging Apple’s forthcoming $1 billion licensing deal with Gemini. This deal is expected to enhance Siri’s capabilities and help Apple reclaim its standing in the competitive AI arena.

With Subramanya’s extensive background and leadership, Apple is poised to make significant strides in its AI endeavors. His appointment marks a critical step in the company’s strategy to innovate and lead in the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.