Apple is reportedly splitting up its artificial intelligence (AI) division and moving two major product teams. According to reports, Apple is shifting its secretive robotics group to the hardware engineering division following the transfer of Siri to the software engineering team in March. The process started in 2021, when Apple moved the self-driving car project from the AI division to Kevin Lynch, the VP of Technology, who leads the watch OS department.
Apple Plans Return To Its Functional Organization
His latest Power On newsletter reports that Apple is restructuring its AI division after 6 years. Before 2018, Apple used a functional structure rather than organizing by products and separate divisions. For the iPhone and Apple Watch, the company had hardware engineering, software engineering, and service teams that each worked on different parts of its third devices.
To focus more on AI, Apple hired John Giannandrea, a former Google executive, as senior VP of Machine Learning and AI Strategy. After he joined, Apple reportedly combined several AI projects under his leadership, including Apple Intelligence, Siri, the now-discontinued self-driving car project, and the robotics division. This was the first time Apple moved away from its usual functional structure.
Ehrman says that six years after creating The Division, Apple is now facing setbacks. The company reportedly believes it has fallen behind competitors in AI, and delays in launching Apple intelligence features, especially Siri upgrades, have led Apple to reconsider the future of its AI division.
In March, Gary and Andrea reportedly lost responsibility for Siri, which was given to Mike Rockwell, the leader of Vision OS development. According to Gurman, the robotics group is also leaving the AI division and will be managed by the Hardware Engineering Department. Led by John Ternus.
Apple’s robotics group is reportedly a major focus for the company. Earlier this year, a report said Apple is developing non-humanoid robots, and the first products in this area could go into production in 2028.
The Bloomberg report says that removing projects from the AI division shows Apple’s growing dissatisfaction with Giannandrea. Apple is reportedly preparing for him to leave, and according to Gurman, his position probably will not be filled after he departs. Instead, the company is expected to return to the functional organizational structure that it used before 2018.
Apple is quietly looking into robotics again as it moves its focus away from Apple Intelligence.
A recent Bloomberg report says Apple is considering several AI-powered hardware ideas, including:
- Smart Home displays
- Security devices
- A tabletop robot that could use facial recognition and move to interact with people
These devices are not officially in development, and sources warn they might never be released.
One prototype, called S95H and possibly set for a 2027 launch, features a swiveling screen on a robotic arm. People have named it the Pixar lamp because it moves like the Animation Studio’s famous mascot.
The robot is meant to be a more personal, smart assistant, able to follow users during video calls or react physically during conversations. Apple is also looking into mobile wheeled robots and humanoid robots for industrial tasks.
Apple has long been great at integrating hardware and software and at human interfaces. Gary Marcus, an AI authority and professor emeritus of psychology and neural science at New York University, told Decrypt, “I don’t personally think that reliable humanoid domestic robots are at all closes to hand. But if I ever buy a humanoid for the home, I hope it will come with Apple’s care for privacy, reliability, elegance, security, and considerate design.”
Rumors that Apple was planning a line of robots began last year, as the company made several AI-related announcements and updates. In February, long-time Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple is looking into both humanoid and non-humanoid robots. For its future smart home ecosystem, these products are still in the early proof-of-concept (PLC) stage.
At a recent company meeting, CEO Tim Cook reportedly told employees that Apple needs to win in AI. He called the company’s upcoming products “amazing” and suggested some would be announced soon, while others are still in development. He did not mention robotics specifically.
Apple’s goal is to make artificial intelligence feel more real and present. Although the robot is still in early development, it is a key part of Apple’s effort to return to AI competition.
A home display for smart automation, video calls, and a new version of Siri that can talk with users is reportedly closer to release and could come out in 2026. Both the display and the robot would use a new software platform called Charismatic, which is designed for voice commands, facial recognition, and customized content.
Apple did not respond to Decrypt’s request for comment.
Sources: Apple Reportedly Moves Robotics Team Out of AI Division Ahead of Anticipated Restructuring
