Meta Reportedly Recruits Apple’s Head of AI Models
Meta has reportedly hired Ruoming Pang, Apple’s former head of AI models, in a significant talent acquisition move. Pang previously led Apple’s internal team responsible for training foundation models that power Apple Intelligence and on-device AI features.
The recruitment represents a major coup for Meta as tech giants compete fiercely for top AI talent. Pang’s expertise in developing AI models that run directly on devices could prove valuable for Meta’s artificial intelligence initiatives across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp platforms.
At Apple, Pang oversaw the development of AI foundation models that enable features like improved Siri responses, text predictions, and photo recognition. These models operate locally on iPhones and iPads rather than relying on cloud processing, providing faster responses and enhanced privacy protection.
Meta’s aggressive hiring strategy reflects the company’s push to advance its AI capabilities amid intense competition from rivals like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI. The social media giant has invested billions in AI research and development, launching its own large language models and AI-powered features.
The move comes as Apple faces scrutiny over its AI development pace compared to competitors. Losing a key AI executive to Meta could signal challenges in Apple’s efforts to retain top talent in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence sector.
Neither Meta nor Apple has officially confirmed Pang’s departure or recruitment details.
