APPLE VS META
Apple’s AI team is not okay
Apple’s head of foundation models, Ruoming Pang, is leaving for Meta, a big move that highlights how intense the race for AI talent has become.
Pang led the team behind Apple’s core AI models, the same ones powering features like Genmoji and the new version of Siri.
Meta confirmed the hire and reportedly offered him a package worth tens of millions a year (though short of previously reported $100M bonuses).
This is part of a broader hiring spree by Meta, which is building out a “superintelligence” team by bringing in top names from Apple, OpenAI, Anthropic and others.
Meanwhile, Apple’s AI division has been dealing with internal changes, flagging morale, and a growing interest in using third-party models like OpenAI’s.
There’s been a shift in leadership, too. With Pang out, his team is being restructured under new management.
Here’s what’s worth knowing:
Meta is snapping up top AI talent with massive pay packages.
Apple is testing third-party models as internal friction grows.
Leadership reshuffles suggest Apple’s AI priorities are shifting.
AI team? More like AI ex-team
And while John Giannandrea is still overseeing AI research, decision-making around consumer AI now largely sits with Craig Federighi and Mike Rockwell, following delays and a lukewarm response to Apple Intelligence.
Altogether, it shows how Apple’s AI strategy is still taking shape, and just how aggressive Meta is in going after the people building it.
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