Apple's AI Exodus Intensifies with More Researchers Departing for Rivals
In a significant blow to its artificial intelligence ambitions, Apple Inc. has witnessed the departure of at least four more AI researchers in recent weeks, compounding earlier losses that included a top Siri executive. This latest wave of exits sees talent migrating to industry giants Meta Platforms Inc. and Google DeepMind, underscoring the mounting challenges within Apple's AI division.
Key Departures and Their Destinations
The researchers who have left Apple include Yinfei Yang, Haoxuan You, Bailin Wang, and Zirui Wang. According to sources familiar with the matter, Yinfei Yang has departed to launch a new startup, while Haoxuan You and Bailin Wang have joined Meta. Specifically, You has moved to Meta's Superintelligence research arm, and Bailin Wang is now working on Meta's recommendation systems. These individuals requested anonymity as the transitions have not been publicly announced.
In a notable move, Zirui Wang has joined Google DeepMind, which is currently collaborating with Apple to develop core AI models for upcoming features. This includes the technology behind an enhanced version of the Siri voice assistant, slated for release later this year.
Executive-Level Exits and Internal Reorganization
The talent drain extends beyond researchers to senior leadership. Stuart Bowers, a key Apple executive involved with Siri, has also left for Google DeepMind. Bowers previously led Apple's discontinued self-driving car project before taking on a role to revitalize the voice assistant. Last year, his responsibilities expanded to focus on improving Siri's response capabilities, reporting directly to new Siri chief Mike Rockwell.
These departures follow a major reorganization of Apple's AI efforts in the past year. CEO Tim Cook reassigned longtime AI chief John Giannandrea, transferring oversight to software head Craig Federighi. Additionally, Apple recruited Amar Subramanya, a former AI executive from Google and Microsoft, to manage parts of the organization. The recent exits originated from Apple's Foundation Models (AFM) team, which is responsible for the underlying technology of the Apple Intelligence platform. This team has faced increased scrutiny due to delays in the new Siri launch and lukewarm reception to current AI features.
Underlying Causes and Strategic Shifts
The ongoing exodus highlights the turbulence within Apple's AI division, as the company struggles to keep pace with competitors in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. A contentious decision to outsource some technology to Alphabet Inc.'s Google has reportedly frustrated staff, contributing to the talent loss. Over the past six months, Apple has seen more than a dozen AI researchers depart, many linked to this outsourcing strategy.
During a recent earnings call, when questioned about the collaboration with Google, Tim Cook defended the move, stating it provides "the most capable foundation" for Apple's AI models. He emphasized that the partnership enables innovation and unique user experiences. Despite this, Apple continues to rely on its own models for on-device Apple Intelligence features and is unlikely to depend indefinitely on external partners, given the competitive pressures of the AI race.
Financial Context and Future Outlook
Apple's AI challenges have impacted its stock performance this year, even as the company reports record sales, including over $85 billion in iPhone revenue. The absence of groundbreaking AI advancements and the persistent loss of top talent remain significant concerns, complicating efforts to engineer a turnaround.
Looking ahead, Apple is preparing two new versions of Siri: a near-term update leveraging personal data for queries and a more comprehensive overhaul later this year with a chatbot-style interface. Both will operate on a new architecture powered by Google-developed models. The AFM team, now led by AI researcher Zhifeng Chen, reports to Amar Subramanya, while former Google executive Daphne Luong remains at Apple in a non-operational role under John Giannandrea.
As the AI talent war intensifies, Apple's ability to retain and attract top minds will be crucial in determining its future competitiveness in this critical technological domain.
