Apple Loses Key AI Talent to Meta, Faces Strategy Shift

Apple's AI team has been experiencing significant personnel losses, with the latest departure being the chief AI robotics researcher who has joined Meta's robotics studio. This follows a trend of key personnel leaving the company, including three large language model researchers who have also departed in the past week. The departures have raised concerns about Apple's ability to maintain its competitive edge in the AI sector.

The recent exodus includes three researchers from the core development team of Apple Intelligence, which has lost approximately 10 members in recent weeks. This includes the team leader, adding to the growing list of departures from Apple's AI division. The company is reportedly considering a shift in strategy, exploring the possibility of relying more on external technology rather than solely on in-house models. This potential change has sparked internal discussions and uncertainty among the remaining team members.

Meta has been successful in attracting Apple's AI talent through high compensation packages. The company previously offered a 200 million dollar multi-year compensation package to the former head of Apple's AI model team. This strategy has lured several key members from Apple's AI division, including those from the foundational model team. Meta's aggressive hiring has been a significant factor in the recent departures, with several high-profile employees leaving Apple for Meta.

Apple's AI efforts have faced setbacks, with the Apple Intelligence product receiving a lukewarm response from the market. The potential shift towards third-party models has further dampened the morale of the remaining team. Insiders predict that more employees will leave, as many are actively seeking opportunities with other companies. The company's AI division is still lagging behind its competitors, forcing management to consider various strategies to catch up while maintaining innovation.

Apple's AI team has been experiencing significant personnel losses, with the latest departure being the chief AI robotics researcher who has joined Meta's robotics studio. This follows a trend of key personnel leaving the company, including three large language model researchers who have also departed in the past week. The departures have raised concerns about Apple's ability to maintain its competitive edge in the AI sector.

The recent exodus includes three researchers from the core development team of Apple Intelligence, which has lost approximately 10 members in recent weeks. This includes the team leader, adding to the growing list of departures from Apple's AI division. The company is reportedly considering a shift in strategy, exploring the possibility of relying more on external technology rather than solely on in-house models. This potential change has sparked internal discussions and uncertainty among the remaining team members.

Meta has been successful in attracting Apple's AI talent through high compensation packages. The company previously offered a 200 million dollar multi-year compensation package to the former head of Apple's AI model team. This strategy has lured several key members from Apple's AI division, including those from the foundational model team. Meta's aggressive hiring has been a significant factor in the recent departures, with several high-profile employees leaving Apple for Meta.

Apple's AI efforts have faced setbacks, with the Apple Intelligence product receiving a lukewarm response from the market. The potential shift towards third-party models has further dampened the morale of the remaining team. Insiders predict that more employees will leave, as many are actively seeking opportunities with other companies. The company's AI division is still lagging behind its competitors, forcing management to consider various strategies to catch up while maintaining innovation.