AllYouCanTech

**Apple Names Lilian Rincon as VP of Product Marketing for AI**

Apple has revealed the appointment of Lilian Rincon, who previously held a vice president position at Google, as its latest vice president of Product Marketing for Artificial Intelligence (AI). Rincon will be tasked with spearheading product marketing and management for Apple’s AI offerings, including Apple Intelligence and Siri. She will report directly to Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president for worldwide marketing.

Rincon brings a vast array of experience from her nine years at Google, where she most recently acted as vice president of product management. In this capacity, she supervised Google’s global product organization for Google Shopping and Google Assistant. Her career also features significant roles at Microsoft and Skype, illustrating her comprehensive expertise in technology and product management.

In a LinkedIn post revealing her exit from Google, Rincon shared her enthusiasm for her new position at Apple, showing an optimistic view on the future of AI within the company.

Her appointment follows Apple’s reorganization of its AI team, which has undergone several major leadership changes. Notably, Amar Subramanya joined Apple in December as the VP of AI, reporting to Craig Federighi. Subramanya has a robust background in AI, having dedicated 16 years to Google, where he served as an engineering VP on projects like Gemini, prior to a brief period at Microsoft.

The reorg also encompassed the recent resignation of John Giannandrea, who stepped down from his role as senior vice president for Machine Learning and AI Strategy. This wave of changes underscores Apple’s persistent dedication to enhancing its AI capabilities and strategies.

As Apple progresses in investing in AI technologies, the inclusion of seasoned leaders like Rincon and Subramanya indicates a strategic initiative to fortify its standing in the competitive arena of AI development.

**Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro: A Notable Advancement in Durability and Capability**

Apple’s newest flagship device, the iPhone 17 Pro, signifies a considerable enhancement over its forerunner, the iPhone 16 Pro. With upgrades in heat management and materials, the iPhone 17 Pro ensures enhanced capability and toughness, addressing several frequent grievances from users of prior models.

### Enhanced Heat Management

Among the prominent features of the iPhone 17 Pro is its sophisticated heat management system. The addition of a vapor chamber and the transition from titanium to aluminum has led to improved sustained performance, especially during demanding tasks. This modification assists in alleviating issues such as thermal throttling, a concern for users of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, where the screen would dim during extensive usage in bright outdoor scenarios.

### The Scratching Concern with Ceramic Shield

Although the thermal advancements are praiseworthy, numerous users have voiced their dissatisfaction regarding the durability of the iPhone’s screen. The initial Ceramic Shield glass, engineered to withstand impacts from falls, has faced criticism for its vulnerability to scratches. Users frequently discovered their displays affected by fine scratches that became more noticeable in dim lighting, resulting in diminished satisfaction and resale value over time.

### Launch of Ceramic Shield 2

To address these issues, Apple has unveiled Ceramic Shield 2 with the iPhone 17 series. This updated cover glass is reported to be threefold more resistant to scratching than the earlier version. This upgrade is a welcome modification for users who have faced the limitations of the original Ceramic Shield. Ceramic Shield 2 is incorporated into all new models, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, along with the recently introduced iPhone 17e.

### Toughness of the Rear Glass

Apple maintains the use of the original Ceramic Shield glass for the rear of the iPhone Air and the iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max. This decision is calculated, as damage to the rear glass can pose problems, and the new design minimizes the surface area of back glass on the Pro models. While scratches on the rear are less alarming since it is not a display, the sturdiness of this glass remains a significant concern for users.

### User Experience and Anticipated Developments

As users start to engage with Ceramic Shield 2, there is careful optimism about its performance. Initial signs indicate that the new glass may considerably lessen the prominence of scratches, with users wishing for an extended life before apparent wear occurs. The idea of not needing a screen protector is appealing for many, assuming that the new material performs as expected.

In summary, the iPhone 17 Pro signifies a meaningful advancement in both capability and durability, especially with the launch of Ceramic Shield 2. As users acclimate to these innovations, the overall experience with the device is anticipated to enhance, making it an attractive option for both new and returning iPhone enthusiasts.