Meta continues its recruitment efforts, securing another AI researcher from Apple, marking the sixth such acquisition in the past seven weeks. The latest individual to transition from Apple to Meta is Frank Chu, who previously spearheaded Apple AI teams concentrating on cloud infrastructure, training, and search functionalities.
The initial movement occurred with Meta’s recruitment of Ruoming Pang, who formerly held the position of lead at Apple’s foundation models team. Following Pang’s transition, speculation arose regarding the potential for additional Apple employees to follow suit and join Meta. These assumptions were quickly substantiated as Meta persistently recruited from Pang’s former Apple colleagues.
Meta’s ongoing recruitment drive occurs even as the company implements a hiring freeze across various departments. Despite this overall freeze, exceptions are being made to facilitate the acquisition of specific talent, as demonstrated by the recruitment of Frank Chu. Chu will be integrated into Meta’s Superintelligence Labs, a recently established AI division within the company.
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Meta’s internal organizational structure for AI is currently undergoing its fourth restructuring in the last six months. These changes are intended to optimize the integration of newly acquired personnel and support the company’s broader strategic objectives in the field of artificial intelligence. This restructuring takes place amidst reports of internal challenges within Meta’s AI divisions. A Forbes report suggested that Meta’s internal culture and organizational complexities have contributed to defections from its own AI teams.
The series of AI researcher departures from Apple coincides with increasing concerns within Apple regarding its position in the AI sector. Following questions related to AI during Apple’s Q3 2025 conference call, Apple CEO Tim Cook convened a company-wide meeting to address the company’s challenges in the field. During this meeting, Cook pledged that Apple would “make the investment” necessary to strengthen its AI capabilities. The continued loss of AI talent to competitors like Meta presents an additional challenge to Apple’s efforts to enhance its standing in the AI landscape.
