Apple Loses Leading AI Models Exec as Meta Ramps Up Hiring

Apple's top AI models executive, to join Meta's Superintelligence group signifies a noteworthy shift in the competitive landscape of artificial intelligence development. Pang's transition highlights not only the allure of lucrative compensation packages but also Meta's aggressive strategy to bolster its AI capabilities through high-profile acquisitions . This move marks a significant setback for Apple, as Pang led a team responsible for critical advancements in large language models that enhance various features within Apple’s ecosystem.

Mark Zuckerberg has scooped up to lead his new AI superintelligence unit.

Pang previously ran Apple’s in-house team that trained the AI foundation models that underpin Apple Intelligence and other on-device AI features, according to the report. Apple’s AI models haven’t exactly been a huge success — they’re far less capable than what OpenAI, Anthropic, and even Meta offer. Apple has reportedly even considered tapping third-party AI models to power its forthcoming AI-enabled Siri upgrade.

Pang, manager in charge of the company's Apple foundation models team, will join Meta's new superintelligence team for a compensation package worth millions of dollars per year, the report added.

Meta's continued hiring, particularly with Pang leading Superintelligence Labs, signals its strong AI ambitions. In contrast, Apple's talent retention challenges and rumored partnerships with companies like Anthropic or OpenAI for Siri suggest uncertainty in its AI strategy and competitive standing against Meta.This divergence highlights a critical juncture in the AI race, where aggressive investment and talent acquisition appear to be giving Meta a significant edge.

Apple's potential reliance on external partnerships, while possibly expediting their AI integration, could ultimately cede control over core AI technologies and diminish its long-term competitive advantage against rivals like Meta, who are building proprietary AI capabilities from the ground up. The contrasting approaches raise questions about whether Apple can maintain its innovative reputation in an era increasingly defined by AI dominance.

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Sara H

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