Apple Exec Urges Faster AI Roadmap in Closed-Door Meeting

Apple CEO John Ternus has privately urged software chief Craig Federighi to accelerate Apple's AI roadmap and pursue more ambitious capabilities beyond Siri improvements, according to Mark Gurman. Ternus expressed frustration during a recent closed-door meeting over what he sees as a lack of urgency compared to competitors. Some software employees cite Federighi's hands-on management style and vigorous technical debate as limiting competing proposals, while planning mismatches between software's 12-18 month horizon and hardware's multi-year timelines have caused delays. Federighi is credited with launching the rebuilt Siri in beta in September after previous AI leadership struggled. Siri engineering vice president Mike Rockwell, who may depart by 2027, continues considering leaving, with potential responsibilities falling to Amar Subramanya and Sebastien Marineau, whom some see as a distant successor to Federighi.