Apple’s AI Struggles Deepen as Siri Executive Exits
Apple Faces AI Setbacks as Key Siri Executive Departs
Apple is once again facing turbulence in its artificial intelligence (AI) ambitions. According to Bloomberg, Robbie Walker, one of Apple’s top AI executives who once led the Siri division, is set to leave the company next month.
Walker directly reported to John Giannandrea, Apple’s Senior Vice President of AI, and until earlier this year had overseen Siri. His departure comes at a critical time when Apple’s AI strategy has already been under pressure from delays and fierce competition.
Originally, Apple had planned to roll out a new AI-powered Siri update in April 2025. However, the release has now been postponed to 2026, with software chief Craig Federighi stepping in to lead Siri efforts. This delay highlights Apple’s struggle to keep up with rivals like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Perplexity AI.
In an internal meeting earlier this year, Walker admitted that while Apple had made significant progress, it had yet to reach its ultimate goals. He used a swimming metaphor, saying: “We swam hundreds of miles and even set a Guinness World Record, but we’re still criticized because we haven’t reached Hawaii.”
Beyond Siri, Walker was leading Apple’s Answers, Information, and Knowledge team, responsible for developing a new AI-powered web search engine to rival ChatGPT and Perplexity. That system is still expected to launch in 2026.
Apple’s AI brain drain doesn’t stop with Walker. Other high-ranking executives, such as Luo-Ming Fang (head of AI models) and Frank Cheu (search services lead), have already left for companies like Meta.
This leadership turnover and product delay have started weighing on Apple’s stock. Since the start of 2025, Apple shares have fallen nearly 7%, partly due to investor concerns over its lagging AI roadmap.
While Apple has historically been cautious and secretive, industry analysts warn that falling behind in AI could undermine its competitive edge. As rivals push ahead with generative AI breakthroughs, Apple will need to prove it can deliver — not just promise.
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