**Apple AI Researcher Joins Meta Amid Talent Exodus**
Apple Inc. is experiencing a significant shift in its artificial intelligence (AI) division as Jian Zhang, the company’s lead researcher in robotics, has left to join Meta Platforms Inc. This move is part of a broader trend of AI talent departing from Apple, with several other researchers also making the transition to competing firms.
Meta confirmed Zhang’s new role at its Robotics Studio, highlighting the ongoing competition in the AI sector. In addition to Zhang, three more researchers from Apple’s large language models team—John Peebles, Nan Du, and Zhao Meng—are also leaving, contributing to the turmoil within the group. These departures occurred within the last week and are part of a larger trend, as the Apple Foundation Models team has seen a reduction of approximately 10 members, including its leader, in recent weeks.
The Apple Foundation Models team was instrumental in developing the Apple Intelligence platform, which was launched last year as part of the company’s efforts to enhance its AI capabilities. Reports indicate that Apple is now considering a shift towards utilizing more external technology rather than relying solely on its in-house models.
Peebles and Du are set to join OpenAI, while Zhao will be moving to Anthropic PBC. This wave of departures follows a pattern of previous exits to Meta, which has attracted talent with substantial salary increases. Notably, Ruoming Pang, who led Apple’s models team, left for a lucrative multiyear contract worth $200 million.
Despite the influx of new talent, Meta has faced challenges, with several recently hired AI researchers already resigning. Apple and OpenAI representatives have declined to comment on these personnel changes, and Anthropic has not responded to requests for comment.
Zhang’s team focused on automation technology and the integration of AI into various products. This group has already seen turnover, with one of Zhang’s direct reports, Mario Srouji, leaving to oversee AI products at Archer Aviation Inc. The robotics research team operates within Apple’s AI and machine learning division, distinct from the company’s robotics product development, which was recently moved to the hardware engineering department.
Robotics is becoming increasingly vital to Apple’s future, with plans for new devices, including a tabletop machine with a moving screen and a robotic arm for retail and manufacturing applications. Meanwhile, Meta is advancing its own initiatives, including smart glasses and AI features, while investing heavily in the development of an operating system and hardware for humanoid robots.
As the talent exodus from Apple continues, more employees are reportedly seeking new opportunities, indicating a potential shift in the competitive landscape of AI research and development.
**FAQ**
*What is causing the talent exodus from Apple’s AI division?*
The departure of key researchers, including Jian Zhang, is attributed to competitive offers from companies like Meta and OpenAI, as well as internal restructuring within Apple’s AI teams.
