Robby Walker’s Departure Signals Shifts in Apple’s AI Leadership
Apple’s senior artificial intelligence executive, Robby Walker, will depart the company next month, according to reports from Bloomberg and industry insiders. Walker, who held a crucial position as the senior director of Apple’s Answers, Information and Knowledge team, is among the few direct reports to AI chief John Giannandrea[1][2].
Walker previously headed up the development of Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, before oversight shifted to software chief Craig Federighi earlier this year. This transition followed the delay of promised updates to Siri, a setback that drew criticism both inside and outside Apple. In a March internal meeting, Walker addressed concerns over these delays but acknowledged their negative impact on the company’s reputation[1].
Walker’s Role in Apple’s Search and AI Ambitions
After moving from Siri, Walker became a leading figure in Apple’s secretive efforts to develop a new AI-powered web search platform. This forthcoming product is widely seen as Apple’s answer to competitors such as
Perplexity and
ChatGPT. The new search system is reportedly planned for launch next year, underscoring the tech giant’s focus on artificial intelligence and search technology[1].
Ongoing AI “Brain Drain” at Apple
Walker’s exit continues a notable trend of high-profile departures from Apple’s AI ranks in 2025. Earlier this month, Apple’s lead AI robotics researcher left for Meta, and July saw the fourth AI researcher defect to the same company. This pattern has led to growing industry speculation about the company’s ability to retain top AI talent and maintain its competitive edge[1].
- Robby Walker to leave Apple next month after serving as senior AI director
- Previously oversaw Siri development until early 2025
- Instrumental in building Apple’s upcoming AI-powered web search product
- Departure adds to series of AI talent losses to competitors like Meta
Impact on Apple’s AI Strategy
The departure comes as Apple is under pressure to accelerate innovation in artificial intelligence. The company faces fierce competition from rapidly evolving AI tools and platforms like
Perplexity and
ChatGPT. Walker’s leadership was pivotal for several internal projects, including the AI-powered search engine that is expected to debut next year[1].
Industry watchers and stakeholders will be closely monitoring Apple’s next moves as it navigates this period of transition in its AI and search leadership.
