Apple CEO Tim Cook is confronting fresh criticism regarding the technology giant's strategic direction in artificial intelligence. Prominent Tesla investor and Gerber Kawasaki Wealth and Investment Management CEO Ross Gerber launched a pointed critique on social media platform X, asserting that Apple has significantly lagged in the competitive AI landscape.
Investor Calls for Leadership Change
In a series of posts, Gerber expressed strong dissatisfaction with Cook's leadership, suggesting the iPhone maker has missed crucial opportunities in artificial intelligence development. "Apple completely missed the AI boat and now needs Google to survive," Gerber stated, referencing the recently announced collaboration between Apple and Google to integrate Gemini technology into Siri.
Gerber's criticism extended beyond technological concerns to question Cook's recent activities and associations. The investor specifically mentioned Cook's attendance at a White House screening of Amazon's documentary "Melania: Twenty Days to History," which Gerber characterized as problematic given the event's perceived political connections.
Details of the Google-Apple Partnership
Earlier this month, Apple confirmed a significant multi-year agreement with Google to utilize Gemini models for enhancing its AI capabilities. According to a joint statement released by both companies, this collaboration will form the foundation for Apple's next-generation foundation models.
The statement elaborated: "Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology. These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year."
Apple emphasized that despite leveraging Google's technology, the company's commitment to privacy remains unchanged. "Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards," the statement clarified.
Growing Concerns About Apple's AI Position
Gerber's comments reflect broader concerns among some investors and industry observers about Apple's positioning in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence sector. While competitors have made significant public advancements in AI development and deployment, Apple has maintained a more measured approach that some interpret as falling behind.
The investor's call for Cook's resignation represents one of the most direct challenges to Apple's current leadership in recent years. "No excuses. Tim Cook needs to go," Gerber wrote in his social media posts, using the nickname "Tim Apple" that was famously used by former President Donald Trump during a meeting with Cook.
This criticism emerges as Apple prepares to introduce enhanced AI features later this year, with the Google partnership playing a central role in these developments. The company's strategy represents a significant shift toward collaboration with external technology providers for core AI capabilities, marking a departure from Apple's traditional emphasis on proprietary development.
