Apple Losing AI Researchers, Siri Manager Moves to Google and Meta
According to Bloomberg's report, Apple has recently lost four researchers and a senior executive from its artificial intelligence and Siri teams. Some of the employees have moved to Meta and Google DeepMind.
Significant Losses from AI Team
Tech giant Apple has suffered a significant loss in the talent war in the field of artificial intelligence. According to a Bloomberg report, four researchers and a senior executive from the company's AI and Siri teams have left in recent weeks. Mark Gurman's report states that Yinfei Yang, Haoxuan You, Bailin Wang, and Zirui Wang are among those who have recently departed Apple.
Transitions to Rival Companies
It is reported that Yinfei Yang left to start his own company, while Haoxuan You and Bailin Wang are said to have joined Meta. It was stated that You will join Meta's Super Intelligence research unit, and Bailin Wang will work on Meta's recommendation systems. Zirui Wang is noted to have moved to Google DeepMind. Ironically, Google DeepMind is known as the team that helped develop the core AI models Apple uses to power its next-generation Siri features.
Senior Siri Executive Also Departed
According to the report, Stuart Bowers, one of Apple's most senior executives working on Siri, has also moved to Google DeepMind. Bowers, whose role was expanded last year and who reported to Siri chief Mike Rockwell, was also involved in Apple's canceled self-driving car project. It is stated that Bowers will work on the Gemini models that Apple uses to build its next-generation Siri version.
Restructuring in the AI Team
Apple's AI and Siri teams have been undergoing significant restructuring over the past year. The most notable change was the departure of John Giannandrea, Senior Vice President of Machine Learning and AI Strategy, in December. It was announced that Giannandrea will remain as a consultant until spring 2026 and then retire.
This development is interpreted as an indicator of the intense competition for AI talent in the tech sector. Meta is funding its AI investments with its growing advertising business and Microsoft's AI spending is worrying investors. Similarly, Nvidia played a role in developing the DeepSeek model and Oracle's value has halved from its 2025 peak but AI caution is increasing. While Microsoft's profits rise, AI spending and cloud growth cast a shadow.
