Apple's AI division faces challenges after four prominent researchers set out in just a week and highlighted fierce competition for the best talent in the AI sector. The latest exit comes as iPhone makers struggle to maintain evidence against rivals that are actively expanding their AI teams.
According to a Bloomberg report, Jian Zhang, who led robotics research at Apple, has officially joined Meta's Robotics Studio under the Reality Labs division. Meta confirmed the movements on Tuesday. Unlike immediate product development, Apple's Zhang's group focused on robotics and automation in an academic context. His departure follows the early turbulence of Apple's Robotics Research Wing. One of his team members, Mario Sruji, led the AI initiative at Archer Aviation in April.
Along with Zhang, three more researchers from Apple's Foundation Models team (John Peebles, Nan Du and Zhao Meng) have also resigned. Those familiar with the issue have revealed that Peebles and Du are heading towards Openy, but Zao joins humanity.
Foundation Models Group is at the heart of Apple's push to generative AI, driving the development of Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered tools introduced last year. But the team is shrinking rapidly. Approximately 10 members, including leader Ruoming Pang, have finished in recent weeks. Pang reportedly accepts a multi-year compensation package worth around $200 million from Meta, highlighting the size of Apple's competing financial offers.
The timing is no longer sensitive. Apple Intelligence has been receiving lukewarm water reception since its launch, suggesting that insiders are debating whether Apple will continue to build models internally or move towards reliance on external AI providers. Repeated departures reportedly weakened morale, with more employees exploring opportunities in rival companies.
Apple's struggle is part of a wider trend. Heavyweights in the industry, such as Meta, Openai and Anthropic, are all engaged in talent arm racing, offering salaries and incentives well beyond what Apple is willing to match that. At the same time, the volatility is clear. The report shows that some of Meta's recent prominent recruits are already underway, highlighting the fluidity of AI employment.
The market has not overlooked these developments. Apple's shares fell 1.5% to $228.77 in New York trading on Tuesday, before recovering a little later.
Zhang's move to the meta is especially important given Apple's long-term interest in robotics. Reports suggest that the company is experimenting with multiple prototypes, including tabletop devices with mobile displays and robotic arms designed for retail and manufacturing applications. Meanwhile, Meta has doubled robotics through real-life labs and has invested heavily in AI-powered wearable devices such as humanoid robot systems, operational frameworks and smart glasses.
As talented asylum piles up, Apple faces a critical test. It is whether we can adapt our strategy and maintain the expertise we need to stay competitive in the next stage of AI innovation.
