Apple has just suffered a major blow in the ongoing AI talent war 2025. The company’s top AI expert, Apple AI executive Ruoming Pang, has left for Meta. This shift comes at a time when Apple is under pressure to show results in artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, Meta AI hiring spree continues to grab the best minds in tech. The move signals a huge shift in the balance of power in the Big Tech AI competition, especially for the USA market.
This article breaks down the situation and what it means for the future. It explains why Pang’s departure matters, how Meta’s hiring spree is working, and what Apple must do now. Let’s explore what this moment means in the larger story of Apple vs Meta in AI.
Why Apple’s AI Leadership Crisis Is Making Headlines
The loss of Apple AI executive Ruoming Pang is making waves across Silicon Valley. Pang was one of the main brains behind Apple’s AI models. His work focused on making Siri smarter and building in-house AI tools. Now, he’s part of Meta Superintelligence Labs (MSL), a group Mark Zuckerberg formed to lead Meta’s AI future.
This shift is being seen as proof of Apple losing AI leadership. Pang was Apple poached from Google in 2021, and his move shows how fragile Apple’s position is right now. Reports say that he’s earning millions at Meta, as highlighted in the Bloomberg Meta compensation report.
Who Is Ruoming Pang? Apple’s Quiet Genius Behind Key AI Models
Ruoming Pang wasn’t a public figure, but within Apple, he was a key figure. Before Apple, he worked at Google where he helped develop natural language models. When Apple poached from Google, it was seen as a big win. He quietly led some of the smartest AI research inside Apple.
Now, he’s left all that behind. Joining Meta means he’s now contributing to Mark Zuckerberg AI recruitment success. His work will now help power Meta’s new direction. Apple, on the other hand, has lost one of its best AI minds just when it needed him most.
Meta’s AI Hiring Blitz – How It’s Reshaping Silicon Valley’s Talent Game
The Meta AI hiring spree is no longer just a buzzword. It’s a full strategy. Mark Zuckerberg is spending heavily to get the top AI minds. Meta has hired dozens of AI scientists in recent months. Many of them are from Apple, Google, and OpenAI. It’s part of a long-term bet on AI dominance.
In fact, Daniel Gross joins Meta, fresh off co-founding Safe Superintelligence (SSI) with Ilya Sutskever former OpenAI scientist. Both are now working with Pang under the Meta umbrella. This group now forms the heart of the Meta Superintelligence Labs (MSL).
| Company | Notable AI Hires | AI Focus Area |
| Meta | Ruoming Pang, Daniel Gross, Sutskever | MSL, LLMs, AGI |
| Apple | Losing key staff | Siri, on-device AI |
| Holding strong | Gemini, Bard | |
| OpenAI | Facing poaching | ChatGPT |
Is Apple Really Falling Behind in the AI Race? A Closer Look
It may sound surprising, but many believe Apple is falling behind. While OpenAI, Meta, and Google race ahead with public AI demos, Apple is moving slowly. The Siri revamp delayed to 2026 is just one sign of trouble. Experts feel Apple is always one step behind.
This has led to growing fears of Apple brand erosion due to AI delays. Consumers may not leave Apple today, but over time, they may look to companies that offer smarter AI services. In the fast-paced world of AI, slow movement is dangerous.
Inside Apple’s AI Struggles: Delays, Disputes & Divisions
Internal problems are also hurting Apple’s AI progress. The company has seen multiple Apple AI team restructuring events. One source revealed a 2023 dispute over chip budgets for AI development. These delays aren’t just rumors; they’re visible in missed deadlines and poor feature launches.
One analyst called it Apple artificial intelligence struggles that are only getting worse. Teams working on Siri were split, then re-merged, and now broken up again. This cycle has made it harder for Apple to move fast in this competitive space.
Apple’s Secret AI Projects – What We Know So Far
Even with its problems, Apple isn’t standing still. Several secret projects are underway. Some reports say Apple is using AI to design chips. Others say they’ve looked into buying smaller AI startups, including Perplexity AI. While these efforts sound good, nothing solid has emerged yet.
Behind the scenes, Apple’s research labs are testing local AI models for on-device use. Some developers got access to these during WWDC, but only in early versions. So far, the public hasn’t seen anything that can match ChatGPT or Meta’s LLaMA.
AI at WWDC 2025: What Apple Revealed (and What It Didn’t)
At WWDC 2025, Apple made some AI announcements. It introduced local models that can run directly on iPhones and Macs. This is part of its privacy-first approach. However, major updates, like the Siri upgrade, are not coming until 2026. This delay is a huge blow in the current fast-moving AI world.
Many expected Apple to take the spotlight this year. But after seeing what Meta and OpenAI are doing, Apple’s WWDC felt underwhelming. The Apple vs Meta in AI debate is now leaning heavily in Meta’s favor.
Expert Opinions: Is Apple’s AI Vision Still Worth Watching?
Some experts still believe Apple can make a comeback. OpenAI Sam Altman said Apple has the hardware and brand power to build great AI—if it moves quickly. Others, like Dipanjan Chatterjee, warned that Apple’s brand can only carry it so far before people start leaving.
There’s hope, but only if Apple speeds up. The recent staff loss and AI recruitment in Silicon Valley trends suggest that Apple must act now. The tech world moves fast, and right now, Apple is playing catch-up.
What Apple Needs to Do Now to Compete with Meta, OpenAI & Google
If Apple wants to stay in the game, it has to make bold moves. This includes acquiring AI startups, offering top pay, and letting teams work faster. Meta has shown that with $100 million signing bonuses Meta can attract top talent instantly.
Apple must also invest in developer tools, improve Siri quickly, and stop being overly secretive. Transparency can attract talent and help regain its place in the Big Tech AI competition. A new roadmap could shift things quickly.
Final Thoughts: The Future of AI at Apple – Rebuild or Retreat?
In this race, losing Apple AI executive Ruoming Pang to Meta is more than just a staff change. It’s a warning sign. If Apple doesn’t act, it might fall too far behind to recover. The AI talent war 2025 is real, and Apple is bleeding.
The time to rebuild is now. Apple still has the brand, the cash, and the platform. What it needs is speed, vision, and bold moves. Meta has set the tone. Whether Apple can answer remains to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Is Apple falling behind AI?
Yes, Apple is seen as falling behind in AI due to slow progress, internal struggles, and delayed features.
Who is the quiet Apple executive behind Apple’s AI strategy?
Ruoming Pang was the quiet leader behind Apple’s AI models before leaving for Meta.
Can I decline Apple AI?
Yes, users can choose not to use Apple Intelligence features when available.
Will Apple have their own AI?
Yes, Apple is developing its own AI system called Apple Intelligence for iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
What is the Apple Intelligence controversy?
The controversy involves Apple’s slow AI rollout, privacy concerns, and underwhelming feature promises.