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Apple loses more AI researchers, Siri exec to Google and Meta

Chance Miller | Jan 30 2026 - 11:05 am PT

A new report from Bloomberg today highlights the ongoing exodus from Apple’s artificial intelligence and Siri teams. Mark Gurman reports that Apple has lost “least four more of its artificial intelligence researchers in recent weeks in addition to a top Siri executive.”

The report says the departing employees are headed to companies including Meta and Google DeepMind:

The latest exits include Yinfei Yang, Haoxuan You, Bailin Wang and Zirui Wang. Yang left to start a new company, while You and Bailin Wang joined Meta, according to people familiar with the matter. You left for that company’s Superintelligence research arm, and Bailin Wang is working on Meta recommendations, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the moves haven’t been announced.

In Zirui Wang’s case, the researcher is joining Google DeepMind, which is helping Apple build the core AI models that will power new features. That includes the technology underpinning an upgraded version of the Siri voice assistant that’s launching this year.

Meanwhile, Stuart Bowers has also left for Google DeepMind. Gurman describes Bowers as one of Apple’s most “senior executives working on Siri.” His role inside Apple was expanded last year and he reported to Siri chief Mike Rockwell. Bowers also worked on Apple’s defunct self-driving car project.

There’s a bit of irony in Bowers leaving Apple for Google, where he will work on the Gemini models that Apple is using to build its next-generation version of Siri.

Apple’s AI and Siri teams have gone through major reorganizations over the last year. Most notably, John Giannandrea stepped down from his role as the company’s SVP of Machine Learning and AI Strategy in December. Giannandrea is staying on as an advisor until spring 2026 before ultimately retiring.

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