Google Hires Apple Chip Designer? The Facts

Yes, Google has hired several Apple chip designers in recent years, most notably John Bruno, a former Apple silicon lead who joined Google in 2021 and now leads its custom chip efforts. This article explains what those hires mean, why Google is building its own chips, and how it fits into the broader industry.

Who Is the Apple Chip Designer Google Hired?

John Bruno is the most prominent example. He spent over eight years at Apple, where he worked on the A-series chips used in iPhones and iPads, and before that at AMD and ARM. In 2021, he joined Google as Vice President of Engineering for its custom silicon team, focusing on the Tensor chips inside Pixel phones and other hardware.

Bruno is not alone. Google has also hired other engineers with Apple backgrounds, though most are not as publicly known. These hires are part of a broader trend: tech giants poaching chip talent from each other to build in-house processors.

Why Is Google Hiring Apple Chip Designers?

Google’s main goal is to reduce its reliance on off-the-shelf chips from Qualcomm and other suppliers. By designing its own processors, Google can:

• Optimize hardware and software together for better performance and battery life.
• Add custom AI and machine-learning features directly into the chip.
• Differentiate its Pixel phones from Android competitors that all use the same Qualcomm chips.
• Potentially lower costs over the long term, though development is expensive.

Apple proved this strategy works with its M-series and A-series chips. Google wants to replicate that success, especially for on-device AI tasks like voice recognition and image processing.

What Chips Has Google Designed So Far?

Google’s first in-house mobile chip is the Tensor, which debuted in the Pixel 6 in 2021. It was co-designed with Samsung, who manufactured it. Later versions—Tensor G2, G3, and G4—appeared in subsequent Pixel phones.

Tensor chips focus on AI and machine learning rather than raw speed. For example, they enable features like Magic Eraser in Google Photos and real-time translation. However, they are not as fast as Apple’s A-series or Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon in benchmark tests, and some users have reported heat and battery issues.

Google also designs other custom silicon, like the Titan M security chip in Pixel phones and the Visual Core for imaging.

How Does Google’s Chip Strategy Compare to Apple’s?

Apple designs its chips from the ground up, using ARM’s architecture license. It controls everything from CPU cores to GPU and neural engines. Google’s Tensor chips are more like a collaboration: they use ARM’s standard cores and Samsung’s manufacturing, but Google adds its own AI accelerators and other custom blocks.

This means Google’s chips are less custom than Apple’s, but they still allow for deep software integration. The trade-off is that Google cannot fully control power efficiency or performance as Apple does.

Another difference: Apple uses its chips across iPhones, iPads, Macs, and even the Vision Pro, spreading the development cost. Google so far uses Tensor mainly in Pixel phones, which sell far fewer units, making it harder to recoup the investment.

What Does This Mean for Pixel Phones?

For users, the practical impact is in features and price. Tensor chips enable exclusive AI features that other Android phones lack, which can be a strong selling point. However, they also mean that Pixel phones may not have the absolute fastest performance or best battery life compared to rivals.

Google’s chip team is also working on future versions, possibly with more in-house CPU cores. That could close the gap with Apple, but it takes years of development and billions of dollars.

One common misconception is that Google’s chips are “bad� because they score lower in benchmarks. In reality, they are designed for a different goal: AI processing. If you care about photography, voice commands, and software features, a Pixel with Tensor may feel faster than a phone with a more powerful chip on paper.

Challenges and Risks of Google’s Chip Effort

Building custom chips is risky. It requires huge upfront investment, long development cycles, and a reliable supply chain. Google has faced issues:

• Tensor chips have been criticized for heating up under load and inconsistent battery life.
• Google’s partnership with Samsung means it does not control the manufacturing process, which can limit performance gains.
• Pixel sales, while growing, are still small compared to Samsung or Apple, so the cost per unit is higher.

There is also the risk of key talent leaving. John Bruno himself left Google in 2023, though he returned in 2024. Such turnover can slow progress.

Will Google Ever Fully Match Apple’s Chips?

It is possible, but not guaranteed. Apple has a decade-long head start and spends billions on chip R&D. Google is catching up, but it still relies on ARM’s off-the-shelf cores, which limits its ability to optimize power and performance.

However, Google does not need to beat Apple in every metric. It only needs to make its own phones stand out enough to attract buyers. If Tensor chips can deliver unique AI features that people want, Google’s strategy can succeed even if its chips are not the fastest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Google actually hire John Bruno from Apple?

Yes. John Bruno joined Google in 2021 after working at Apple as a chip architect. He is now a Vice President of Engineering at Google, leading its custom silicon team.

What does a chip designer do at Google?

A chip designer at Google works on the architecture, logic, and physical design of processors like the Tensor. They decide how CPU cores, GPU, and AI accelerators are arranged and how they communicate with each other.

Is Google’s Tensor chip made by Apple?

No. Google designs Tensor in collaboration with Samsung, and Samsung manufactures it. Apple has no involvement in Tensor chips.

Why doesn’t Google just use Qualcomm chips like other Android phones?

Using off-the-shelf Qualcomm chips limits how much Google can customize the hardware for its software. By designing its own chip, Google can add AI features and optimize performance for its own apps and services.

Will future Pixel phones have faster chips?

Likely yes. Google is reportedly working on more in-house CPU cores for future Tensor chips, which could improve performance and efficiency. However, exact details are not public.

Does hiring Apple engineers guarantee Google’s chips will be as good as Apple’s?

No. Chip design is a team effort that requires years of experience, manufacturing partnerships, and huge budgets. Hiring talented engineers helps, but it does not guarantee success.

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