Bengaluru-Born Engineer Takes Charge of AI at Apple: Who is Amar Subramanya

Apple has appointed Amar Subramanya, an AI expert of Indian origin, as the new Vice President of Artificial Intelligence (AI), marking a significant milestone for both the company and India. Subramanya, who hails from Bengaluru, Karnataka, brings with him extensive experience from leading global tech giants like Google and Microsoft.

Impressive Career Journey
According to The Economic Times, Amar Subramanya worked at Google for 16 years, where he headed the Gemini Project in engineering. He then moved to Microsoft as Corporate Vice President of AI, establishing himself as a renowned AI researcher. At Apple, he will report directly to Craig Federighi and oversee critical AI projects, including foundation models, machine learning research, and AI safety initiatives.

Leadership Transition at Apple
Subramanya will replace John Giannandrea, who joined Apple from Google in 2018 and has been instrumental in enhancing Siri and other AI capabilities. Giannandrea is set to retire in early 2026, after which he will continue as an advisor.

Challenges in Apple’s AI Journey
In recent years, Apple has faced delays in advancing AI features, particularly with the rollout of an upgraded Siri. Reports suggested growing concerns at the executive level, including a perceived decline in confidence from CEO Tim Cook, prompting a shift in AI leadership.

High Hopes with Amar Subramanya
Apple is now looking to accelerate its AI initiatives under Amar Subramanya’s leadership. With a strong academic background, including studies at Bangalore University and a PhD from the University of Washington, Subramanya has also contributed to top AI groups like DeepMind. His appointment is expected to help Apple catch up with competitors such as Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI, especially in launching next-generation Siri and AI capabilities.

Apple’s AI Push Amid Competition
Despite a 16% growth in Apple’s stock in 2025, the company has lagged behind rivals investing billions in AI data centers, proprietary chips, and future AI models. CEO Tim Cook has emphasized deep technical investment in AI, and Apple’s collaboration with OpenAI aims to integrate advanced AI, including ChatGPT, into its products. Amar Subramanya’s leadership is seen as a pivotal move to strengthen Apple’s AI portfolio and global competitiveness.