Apple's lead AI researcher for robotics, Jian Zhang, has departed for Meta's Robotics Studio. This follows an ongoing exodus of AI talent from Apple, with at least a dozen experts leaving for companies like Meta, OpenAI, and Anthropic since January. Three other AI researchers from Apple's Foundation Models team have also moved to OpenAI and Anthropic. Meta is reportedly attracting these researchers with highly competitive compensation packages, such as the substantial offer made to Ruoming Pang, the former lead of Apple's Foundational Models team. Recruiters view these departures as a significant "crisis of confidence" regarding Apple's AI future. Despite plans for an improved Siri powered by a smarter LLM next year, Apple experienced a setback with the delayed release of its Apple Intelligence version of Siri for iOS 18. Apple's software engineering chief indicated that a second-generation Siri architecture with major improvements is anticipated for 2026. The company is also exploring third-party solutions for Siri's AI capabilities, having reportedly discussed partnerships with OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google. This indecision has created internal tension within Apple's LLM team, and other AI team members are reportedly seeking opportunities elsewhere.