Apple Faces Setbacks in AI as Key Talent Moves to Meta
Apple's efforts in artificial intelligence are encountering a significant challenge. Ruoming Pang, a key figure responsible for foundational AI models at Apple, is departing for Meta. This move highlights growing pressure on Apple both technically and in retaining top AI talent.
Meta's New Team and Apple's Loss
Meta recently announced the formation of the Meta Superintelligence Labs, aiming to gather leading AI experts. Ruoming Pang is among the first major hires, signaling Meta's commitment to building a strong AI team. This recruitment underscores Apple's struggle not just with AI development, but also in attracting and keeping skilled professionals.
Apple's AI Team Loses Its Leader
Pang joined Apple in 2021 after a stint at Google and led a team of about 100 focusing on key AI features such as:
- Genmoji – personalized emoji creation
- Priority Notifications
- On-Device Text Summarization
These innovations were meant to enhance user experience across Apple devices, particularly improving Siri. Pang’s team was part of the AFM (Apple Foundation Models) group, central to Apple's AI strategic plans. Reports indicate internal debates about whether Apple should develop its own models long-term or collaborate with external providers like OpenAI or Anthropic.
Meta Offers Millions – and Gets It
Bloomberg reports Meta attracted Pang with an offer worth several million dollars annually. He will join the new Meta Superintelligence Lab in Menlo Park, forming the core of Meta’s AI strategy. Other notable Meta hires include:
- Yuanzhi Li from OpenAI
- Anton Bakhtin formerly with Anthropic (Claude model)
Meta has also onboarded prominent AI figures such as Alexandr Wang (Scale AI founder), Nat Friedman (ex-GitHub CEO), and Daniel Gross (Safe Superintelligence CEO). This focused recruitment shows Meta’s clear intent to lead in generative AI and superintelligence.
Apple Faces Further Staff Losses
Pang’s departure may be just the start. Other members of Apple’s AFM group reportedly consider leaving, with some already signaling moves to Meta or elsewhere. Tom Gunter, a close collaborator of Pang, left Apple recently. Zhifeng Chen now leads the AFM team, shifting from a centralized to a distributed management model with several managers possibly stepping into leadership roles:
- Chong Wang
- Zirui Wang
- Chung Cheng
- Chiu Guoli Yin
Apple’s internal reorganization comes at a critical moment, and its effectiveness remains uncertain.
Apple Intelligence: Cooperation Instead of In-House Development
Apple’s AI challenges extend beyond personnel. The company continues to lag in technological advancements and faces tough competition. While Meta aggressively expands its AI team, Apple must rethink its approach. Discussions about leveraging external AI providers instead of solely relying on in-house models highlight this shift.
The coming months will clarify whether Apple can recover from these setbacks or if further departures will hinder its AI progress.
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