Apple Loses Robotics AI Researcher to Meta Amid AI Talent War
Apple is facing another major setback in the AI race. Apple loses robotics AI researcher to Meta, with Bloomberg reporting that Jian Zhang, Apple’s lead robotics-focused AI expert, has officially joined Meta’s Robotics Studio. This latest departure highlights the growing competition for top AI talent between tech giants.
More AI Experts Exit Apple for Meta, OpenAI, and Anthropic
Zhang’s exit isn’t isolated. Three more AI researchers from Apple’s Foundation Models team are leaving for OpenAI and Anthropic. Since January, at least a dozen Apple AI experts have jumped ship to rivals like Meta, OpenAI, and Google, fueling concerns about Apple’s ability to retain key talent.
Meta, in particular, has been aggressively poaching Apple engineers with massive pay packages. Notably, Ruoming Pang, who previously led Apple’s Foundational Models team, was lured by Meta with an eye-popping $200 million compensation deal.
What Zhang Was Working On at Apple
While at Apple, Zhang was exploring advanced automation technology and the role of AI in next-generation products. His work was separate from Apple’s rumored robot companion project but played a key role in shaping Apple’s robotics AI efforts.
Industry insiders suggest his move signals growing doubts about Apple’s long-term AI strategy, especially as Meta invests heavily in robotics and AI-powered tools.
A "Crisis of Confidence" in Apple’s AI Future?
According to the Financial Times, recruiters see this wave of departures as a “crisis of confidence” in Apple’s AI direction. Apple’s highly anticipated Apple Intelligence features were delayed, leaving iOS 18 without its promised AI-powered Siri upgrade.
Although Apple is working on a smarter Siri, powered by a new large language model expected in 2026, the delays have already raised internal tensions. Apple has even explored partnerships with OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google to boost Siri’s AI, but no final decision has been made.
The Bigger Picture
As Apple loses robotics AI researcher to Meta and others follow, the company’s AI credibility is under pressure. Meanwhile, rivals like Meta and OpenAI are strengthening their AI teams with top-tier researchers, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape.
Apple now faces a critical question: can it catch up in the AI race, or will talent losses slow its progress at a pivotal time for the industry?
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