Apple is losing the battle for AI talent—skilled professionals are moving on to Meta and Google DeepMind.

Apple Loses Key AI Talent

Over the past few weeks, Apple has fired at least four leading artificial‑intelligence researchers and one senior Siri project executive. Most of the employees who left have moved on to Meta and Google DeepMind, Bloomberg reports based on anonymous sources.

What This Means for Apple

- Instability in AI. Frequent outsourcing and layoffs suggest that Apple has not yet been able to fully retain its talent pool.
- Shift in focus. The company is trying to catch up with competitors but must rely on external partners (Google) for key technology development.
- Share price decline. Despite strong iPhone sales ($85 billion last quarter), the lack of notable AI innovation and mass talent outflow have hurt the market valuation.

Restructuring of Apple’s AI Leadership

- CEO Tim Cook relieved John Giannandrea of his role as head of the AI division, delegating that function to Craig Federighi, chief software architect.
- The management team now includes Amar Subramanya, a former executive at Google and Microsoft.

Apple Foundation Models (AFM) Team

The AFM unit—responsible for core models powering “Apple Intelligence”—has repeatedly delayed the rollout of an updated Siri. Key leaders:

- Ruoming Pang – left Meta in summer 2024; replaced by Zhifeng Chen.
- Until the end of last year, the team was led by former Google top‑manager Daphne Luong, who stayed on at Apple after stepping down from her previous post.

What’s Next?

Apple is developing two new versions of Siri slated for release this year. The question remains: can the company retain its talent and deliver competitive AI solutions to market without further specialist outflow?