Apple Watch mastermind could take iPhone’s AI to the next level

Apple Watch Series 4 sizes
(Image credit: Future)

Apple's car project was shuttered last month, meaning a shifting of resources that included laying off staff that had been working on the project.

It also led to Kevin Lynch, VP of technology at Apple, shifting from his role on the Apple Car to now report to John Giannandrea while working on the company's AI efforts.

That's according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter, where Gurman suggests the move will help "bring order" to the company's AI project ahead of what is likely to be a big focus on artificial intelligence with iOS 18.

As reported by Gurman, this will mark the first time in around a decade that Lynch hasn't reported to Jeff Williams, the company's Chief Operating Officer.

Siri

(Image credit: iMore)

Kevin Lynch to "bring order" to Apple AI project

"People close to the matter believe Lynch’s move is meant to bring order to an area that has befuddled Apple: AI," Gurman explains.

"With AI, it’s no secret Apple has been struggling to create large language models and other tools that can compete with the industry’s best.

"If Giannandrea ultimately ends up leaving the company, Lynch — who has been due for a promotion to the senior vice president level — could be primed to take his place."

Lynch has been the most consistent executive when it comes to Apple Watch, having been part of the initial reveal of the product line back in 2014, as well as its pivot from a more luxury fashion item to a comprehensive health tracker.

According to Gurman, he will still work alongside Jeff Williams on the Apple Watch.

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Lloyd Coombes
Contributor

Lloyd Coombes is a freelance writer with a specialism in Apple tech. From his first, hand-me-down iMac, he’s been working with Apple products for over a decade, and while he loves his iPhone and Mac, the iPad will always have his heart for reasons he still can’t quite fathom. Since moving from blogging to writing professionally, Lloyd’s work can be found at TechRadar, Macworld, TechAdvisor and plenty more. He’s also the Editor in Chief at GGRecon.com, and on the rare occasion he’s not writing you’ll find him spending time with his son, or working hard at the gym (while wearing an Apple Watch, naturally). You can find him on Twitter @lloydcoombes.