Apple AI Strategy Shifts Dramatically Under Craig Federighi

Apple is taking bold steps to reshape its artificial intelligence strategy, placing software chief Craig Federighi at the helm. After years of internal delays and organizational friction, the company is now moving toward integrating external AI models, signaling a major pivot for ‌Siri‌ and Apple Intelligence features. This strategic shift answers growing questions about when Apple will deliver meaningful AI improvements across its devices.

Federighi Takes Direct Control of AI Initiatives

Over the past year, Apple has centralized its AI efforts under Federighi, who now oversees the company’s AI organization directly. Last fall, he addressed a joint meeting of Apple’s software and AI teams, expressing both excitement for tighter collaboration and frustration at the pace of AI development. Some team members viewed his remarks as criticism, but they underscored the urgency to accelerate progress.

This leadership consolidation follows a broader internal reorganization. Responsibility for ‌Siri‌ was moved from the AI group into Federighi’s software division, giving him authority to drive product decisions and set strategic priorities for AI integration across Apple devices.

Siri Gets a Major Upgrade with External AI Models

Apple announced plans to leverage Google’s Gemini AI models to enhance future versions of ‌Siri‌. By integrating third-party technology, Apple aims to finally release a revamped ‌Siri‌ later this year—a project that was postponed in 2025 amid internal delays.

Federighi believes this approach allows Apple to bridge gaps in AI capability quickly while maintaining its focus on user privacy and seamless integration. The shift to external models contrasts with Apple’s previous preference for fully in-house solutions, highlighting a more pragmatic and results-driven strategy.

Internal Debate: Cost-Conscious Leadership vs. AI Investment

While the strategy promises faster product updates, it has also sparked internal discussions. Colleagues describe Federighi as highly cost-conscious, cautious about large-scale investments without clear returns. This philosophy differs sharply from rivals like OpenAI, Meta, and Google, who are investing billions in AI infrastructure, data centers, and specialized chips.

Some employees worry this conservative approach could limit Apple’s long-term competitiveness in AI, but others see it as a necessary check against risky spending. Apple’s approach appears to favor efficiency and product-focused innovation over massive infrastructure expansion.

Apple’s AI Roadmap and What’s Next

With Federighi driving the AI agenda, Apple is expected to roll out AI updates across its ecosystem beyond ‌Siri‌. Analysts anticipate improvements in device intelligence, productivity features, and user interactions, powered by external foundation models.

Apple’s strategic pivot also signals a willingness to adapt and collaborate externally—an acknowledgment that delivering cutting-edge AI may require partnerships and third-party technologies. For users, this could mean smarter, faster, and more responsive ‌Siri‌ interactions by the end of 2026.

Federighi’s Leadership Marks a New AI Era

Apple’s AI strategy is undergoing one of its most significant transformations in years, with Craig Federighi steering the company toward pragmatic innovation. By combining internal expertise with external AI models, Apple aims to revitalize ‌Siri‌ and strengthen its AI capabilities across products, all while carefully managing costs.

As the year unfolds, Apple users and industry watchers alike will be watching closely to see whether this strategy finally brings the AI breakthroughs long anticipated on iPhones, iPads, Macs, and beyond.