The behind the scenes journalistic recaps of Apple’s AI drama continues today at .And in this latest report, blame for Apple’s struggles to compete in AI is assigned to a surprising source: Luca Maestri and budget.Maestri scaled GPU purchase plans way back in early 2023, harming Apple’s AI efforts Today Tripp Mickle at has published a wide-ranging report outlining Apple’s struggles in AI, Siri, the Vision Pro, and more.
It covers much of the same ground as yesterday’s report, but there is an especially interesting new tidbit around Apple’s slow AI start.John Giannandrea, Apple’s AI head, reportedly sought approval in early 2023 to upgrade the company’s GPU arsenal and faced some pushback.Tripp Mickle writes at : It seems remarkable that Maestri would be able to have such a huge impact on Apple’s AI efforts.
Especially considering Cook gave his own approval.Mickle continues: 9to5Mac’s Take Maestri is Apple’s longtime CFO who recently stepped into a reduced role, likely as part of a slow retirement plan.While Maestri’s oversight of Apple’s finances makes him an important voice in the decision to increase GPU investment, it’s wild that such a seemingly short-sighted move happened so recently.
Apple’s growing R&D spend over the years, the importance of AI, and the company’s huge cash flow all make a simple budget dispute seem hard to believe.Not that this one decision can be entirely blamed for Apple’s slow AI uptake, of course.Mickle also highlights leadership struggles between Robby Walker, who formerly led Siri, and Sebastien Marineau-Mes, a senior executive in software.
However, such a big scale back on what Giannandrea was asking for seems like an especially big error, in hindsight.How much do you think this GPU budget reduction hurt Apple’s AI efforts? Let us know in the comments.Best iPhone accessories AirPods Pro 2 (now only $199, down from $249) MagSafe Car Mount for iPhone HomeKit smart plug 4-pack 10-year AirTag battery case 2-pack 100W USB-C power adapter for fast charging You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day.
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