Apple AI Talent Exits Following Google Outsourcing Decision

A wave of departures has hit the artificial intelligence and Siri teams at Apple Inc., including senior executive Stuart Bowers and AI researchers Yinfei Yang, Haoxuan You, Bailin Wang, and Zirui Wang. These exits primarily affected the Foundation Models team, which has struggled with Siri update delays and a muted reception of AI features. Bowers and Zirui Wang joined Google DeepMind, while Haoxuan You and Bailin Wang moved to Meta Platforms Inc. Yinfei Yang left to launch a new company.

The talent drain follows a broader trend of dozens of employees leaving for OpenAI and Meta over the last six months, including the December 2025 departure of AI chief John Giannandrea. Internal morale has declined due to Apple's decision to outsource core AI technology to Google to power a revamped Siri. This move coincided with a leadership reorganization where CEO Tim Cook shifted AI responsibilities from Giannandrea to Craig Federighi and hired Amar Subramanya to oversee parts of the organization.

Tim Cook defended the partnership with Google during an earnings call, stating it provides the most capable foundation for Apple's AI models. Despite the internal turbulence and lack of AI breakthroughs, Apple reported record quarterly revenue of $143.8 billion.