Apple continues to lose key talent from its artificial intelligence and Siri teams, adding pressure to an already sensitive transition period. Several researchers and a senior Siri executive have left in recent weeks, many heading to rival AI labs. The exits follow months of internal reshuffling and come as Apple prepares major AI upgrades tied to Siri.
According to a new report from Bloomberg, the latest departures include four artificial intelligence researchers alongside a top Siri executive. The report says these employees have moved to companies such as Meta and Google DeepMind, underscoring how competitive the market for AI talent has become.
More AI Researchers Exit Apple
The researchers named in the report are Yinfei Yang, Haoxuan You, Bailin Wang, and Zirui Wang. Their next steps point in different directions, but the pattern remains clear. Apple continues to lose experienced people working on core AI systems.
“The latest exits include Yinfei Yang, Haoxuan You, Bailin Wang and Zirui Wang. Yang left to start a new company, while You and Bailin Wang joined Meta,” the report says.
Haoxuan You has joined Meta’s Superintelligence research arm, while Bailin Wang is now working on Meta’s recommendation systems. In Zirui Wang’s case, the move is to Google DeepMind, an AI lab that also plays a role in supporting Apple’s own future AI features.
Senior Siri Executive Also Departs
The report also notes the departure of Stuart Bowers, described as one of Apple’s most senior executives working on Siri. Bowers recently saw his responsibilities expand and reported directly to Siri’s chief, Mike Rockwell. He also previously worked on Apple’s now canceled self driving car project.
Bowers has joined Google DeepMind, where he will work on Gemini models. These models are part of the broader AI effort that Apple relies on as it builds the next generation of Siri features scheduled to launch this year. The move adds an unusual twist, since Bowers will now contribute to technology that Apple itself plans to use.
A Year of Change for Apple’s AI Leadership
These exits follow a period of major reorganization inside Apple’s AI and Siri teams. Leadership changes over the past year reshaped reporting lines and priorities as the company worked to accelerate its AI roadmap.
One of the biggest shifts came in December, when John Giannandrea stepped down from his role as senior vice president of machine learning and AI strategy. He remains with Apple in an advisory role until spring 2026, after which he plans to retire.
Taken together, the steady stream of departures highlights a growing challenge for Apple. As rivals invest heavily and move faster in artificial intelligence, keeping top talent has become just as critical as shipping new features.
