In a significant development within the tech industry, Ke Yang, the recently appointed head of Apple’s Answers, Knowledge, and Information (AKI) team, has departed to join Meta Platforms. This move underscores the escalating competition for artificial intelligence (AI) expertise among Silicon Valley’s leading companies.
Ke Yang’s Role at Apple
Ke Yang was at the forefront of Apple’s initiative to enhance its AI-driven web search capabilities, particularly through the AKI team. This team was instrumental in the planned overhaul of Apple’s Siri voice assistant, slated for March 2026. Yang’s leadership was pivotal in integrating advanced AI functionalities into Apple’s ecosystem, aiming to provide users with more accurate and context-aware information.
Meta’s Strategic Talent Acquisition
Yang’s transition to Meta is part of a broader trend where the company has been aggressively recruiting top AI talent to bolster its superintelligence initiatives. Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, has been offering substantial compensation packages to attract experts from competitors. Notably, in July 2025, Ruoming Pang, who managed Apple’s foundation models team, joined Meta with a compensation package reportedly worth tens of millions of dollars annually. Pang’s team was responsible for developing large language models that powered features like email summaries and Priority Notifications.
The Broader Context of AI Talent Migration
The departure of Ke Yang is not an isolated incident. In August 2025, Frank Chu, another key figure in Apple’s AI division, left to join Meta’s Superintelligence Labs. Chu led teams focusing on cloud infrastructure, training, and search, and his expertise was crucial in managing Apple’s large language models and developing search features for Siri and Apple’s entertainment services.
Meta’s aggressive recruitment strategy has also seen the acquisition of AI experts from other leading organizations. The company has hired individuals from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Scale AI, reflecting its commitment to advancing its AI capabilities. In a notable move, Meta invested $14.3 billion in AI firm Scale AI, acquiring a 49% stake and bringing Scale’s CEO, Alexandr Wang, on board to lead Meta’s superintelligence team.
Implications for Apple
The exodus of key AI personnel poses challenges for Apple as it strives to enhance its AI offerings. Reports suggest that Apple has been considering partnerships with external AI firms like Anthropic or OpenAI to develop a more advanced version of Siri. This potential shift indicates a reevaluation of Apple’s in-house AI development strategy in response to the loss of top talent.
Industry-Wide Competition for AI Expertise
The competition for AI talent is intensifying across the tech industry. Companies are investing heavily in AI research and development, recognizing its transformative potential. Meta’s establishment of the Superintelligence Labs and its substantial investments in AI infrastructure highlight the strategic importance placed on AI capabilities.
Similarly, other tech giants are making significant moves in the AI space. For instance, Google’s DeepMind and OpenAI have been at the forefront of AI research, contributing to advancements in machine learning and artificial general intelligence. The dynamic nature of AI development necessitates a continuous influx of talent, leading to a competitive landscape where companies vie for the best minds in the field.
Conclusion
Ke Yang’s departure from Apple to join Meta is emblematic of the broader talent war in the AI sector. As companies like Meta continue to invest heavily in AI and attract top talent, others, including Apple, may need to reassess their strategies to retain and recruit the expertise necessary to remain competitive in this rapidly evolving field.
