Apple's AI division has suffered another setback with the departure of Ke Yang, the recently appointed head of the Answers, Knowledge, and Information (AKI) team, to Meta. Yang's team was crucial to the planned Siri revamp scheduled for March 2026, aimed at enhancing its ability to retrieve information from the web and handle complex requests. This project is central to Apple's efforts to compete with advancements in AI-powered search and conversational interfaces from rivals like OpenAI and Google.
Yang's exit follows a series of departures from Apple's AI organisation, including key researchers and engineers who have also joined Meta. These departures raise concerns about instability within Apple's AI division as it strives to catch up with competitors in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. The AKI team will now be led by Benoit Dupin, a deputy to John Giannandrea, Apple's senior vice president of machine learning and AI strategy.
The revamped Siri is expected to include features allowing it to access personal data and manage more complex, multi-step requests. Yang's departure may impact Apple's ability to deliver these enhancements and compete effectively in the AI space. The company is reportedly exploring integrations with third-party AI platforms.
