Apple’s AI ambitions are facing a talent crisis as at least four top researchers recently defected to big tech rivals. According to Bloomberg, Yinfei Yang left to launch a startup, while Haoxuan You and Bailin Wang joined Meta. Zirui Wang headed to Google DeepMind—a move mirrored by senior leader Stuart Bowers, who previously spearheaded Apple’s autonomous vehicle and Siri overhaul projects.
These departures highlight a growing “turbulence” within Apple’s AI unit. Sources suggest internal morale is wavering, particularly as Apple leans on Google’s technology rather than its own proprietary breakthroughs. This “brain drain” isn’t limited to AI; from environmental heads to legal counsel and robotics engineers, a steady stream of talent has been flowing toward OpenAI and Meta over the last year.
