Apple’s AI Executive Robbie Walker to Depart Next Month
Robbie Walker, one of Apple’s top executives in its Artificial Intelligence and Search division, is set to leave the company next month, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, according to Reuters.
Apple has been facing mounting criticism over the slow pace of its AI initiatives, especially at a time when the technology industry views AI as the largest driver of future growth. Although the company recently unveiled its Apple Intelligence suite, its ChatGPT integration remains limited, and AI upgrades for Siri have been delayed until next year.
Walker, who joined Apple in 2013, has served since April this year as Senior Director of the Answers, Information and Knowledge team. He previously led Siri for several years before it was placed under Software Chief Craig Federighi.
In recent months, several of Apple’s AI executives have left for rival Meta, including AI model chief Ruoming Pang, along with researchers Mark Li and Tom Gunter, who now work under Meta’s Superintelligence Labs team.
Last week, Apple launched its latest iPhone series and a slimmer iPhone Air. However, critics argue that in the AI race, the company still lags behind competitors such as Google.
