San Francisco (California): Ke Yang, the Apple executive recently appointed to lead the development of a ChatGPT-like AI web search, is stepping down to join Meta, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Yang had been heading Apple’s newly formed team called Answers, Knowledge and Information (AKI), a key division tasked with overhauling Siri and improving AI-driven search capabilities, with changes expected by March 2026. His departure comes just weeks after his appointment.
Apple and Yang’s AI initiatives
Apple has been ramping up efforts to enhance its AI offerings, particularly around Siri, which has lagged behind competitors like Google Assistant and OpenAI-powered tools. The AKI team, under Yang’s leadership, was expected to spearhead advanced AI-driven responses and search functions across Apple devices.
Yang joined Apple in 2019, according to his LinkedIn profile, and has been involved in several AI-focused projects. While Apple has not commented on his resignation, his exit underscores the ongoing talent challenges in the competitive AI landscape.
Meta’s aggressive AI hiring
Meta, led by Mark Zuckerberg, has intensified its AI talent acquisition to compete with companies like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic. The firm has been restructuring its AI divisions multiple times in the past six months and has previously poached key Apple AI executives, including Robby Walker and Ruoming Pang, to bolster its artificial intelligence capabilities.
Sources note that Meta’s AI push is part of a broader strategy to develop superintelligent systems and next-generation AI products, including enhancements to its chatbots, virtual assistants, and content moderation tools. Yang’s expertise in AI-driven search and natural language processing is expected to support these ambitions.
Implications for the AI talent war
Yang’s move highlights the intensifying Silicon Valley talent war, as tech giants compete for executives who can lead innovation in generative AI and large language models. Analysts suggest that the rapid hiring and reshuffling of AI leaders could accelerate product launches but may also create internal challenges as teams adjust to new leadership.
As Apple works to maintain competitiveness in voice AI and search functionality, Yang’s departure could delay the planned rollout of enhanced Siri capabilities and AI-driven answers on Apple devices. Meanwhile, Meta strengthens its position in the AI space, potentially gaining an edge in large language model development and search-driven AI tools.
The coming months will be crucial for both companies as they aim to release AI products capable of rivaling OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard. The focus on acquiring top talent like Yang reflects the high stakes and rapid pace of innovation in the AI sector.