Apple’s AI Team Faces Turmoil as Another Top Executive Joins Meta

Apple’s artificial intelligence division has been hit with another high-profile departure as Ke Yang, who recently led the company’s AI-powered web search efforts, leaves for Meta. This development follows a wave of exits from Apple’s AI and machine learning (AIML) unit, raising concerns about the company’s ability to compete in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Who is Ke Yang and Why Does This Matter?

Ke Yang was appointed to lead the Answers, Knowledge, and Information (AKI) team at Apple just weeks ago. This team was responsible for enhancing Siri’s capabilities, allowing it to retrieve and process information from the web—an effort aimed at keeping pace with AI search leaders like OpenAI, Perplexity, and Google.

Yang’s move to Meta is particularly significant as Apple prepares for a major Siri revamp expected in March. The next version of Siri is anticipated to leverage personal data for more complex and personalized tasks, marking a strategic move in Apple’s AI ambitions.

Trend of AI Talent Leaving Apple

• Earlier this year, Rouming Pang, Apple’s former head of AI models, also left for Meta.
• About a dozen team members from Apple’s AIML group have resigned in recent months.
• Several of these experts have joined Meta’s new Superintelligence Labs, which is aggressively recruiting top AI talent.

What’s at Stake for Apple?

The loss of key executives comes at a critical juncture for Apple. As competition from Meta, Google, and startups like Perplexity intensifies, retaining top talent is essential. Apple’s ability to deliver on its promise of a smarter, more intuitive Siri could be jeopardized if further departures occur.

Reports indicate that remaining team members anticipate more resignations in the coming months, adding to the uncertainty around Apple’s AI strategy.

Industry Implications

This exodus highlights the fierce competition for AI expertise among global tech giants. Meta’s aggressive hiring—reportedly offering multimillion-dollar packages—shows the high stakes as companies race to dominate the next era of AI-driven products and services.

Conclusion

Apple’s AI ambitions are at a crossroads. With continued executive departures and mounting pressure to innovate, the company faces significant challenges in maintaining its edge in artificial intelligence. All eyes will be on Apple’s upcoming Siri update and its ability to retain and attract world-class AI talent.

References

• Bloomberg: Apple’s newly tapped head of ChatGPT-like AI search effort to leave for Meta
• TechCrunch: Meta reportedly recruits Apple’s head of AI models
• Bloomberg: Apple loses its top AI models executive to Meta’s hiring spree
• TechCrunch: Meta is offering multimillion-dollar pay for AI researchers
• TechCrunch: Apple loses another AI exec to Meta