Meta Hires Apple AI Executive Frank Chu Amid Hiring Freeze and Talent Exodus

Meta Platforms Inc. has added another key figure from Apple’s artificial intelligence division to its growing roster of hires. Frank Chu, who oversaw Apple’s AI teams responsible for cloud infrastructure, large language model training, and search functions, will join Meta’s Superintelligence Labs (MSL).

Chu, who previously contributed to developing search features for Siri and Apple’s entertainment services, is the sixth Apple AI executive to leave for Meta in recent months. His role at Apple included managing large-scale AI model operations on the company’s cloud servers and serving as a deputy to Benoit Dupin, Apple’s AI infrastructure chief.

At Meta, Chu will take on responsibilities within MSL Infra, a new unit focused on building and maintaining the infrastructure powering Meta’s AI research. The appointment underscores Meta’s determination to attract top AI talent despite broader hiring cutbacks.

This wave of departures from Apple began in July, when Ruoming Pang, the creator of Apple’s AI models team, defected to Meta in a deal reportedly worth \$200 million. Several other engineers — Tom Gunter, Mark Lee, Bowen Zhang, and Yun Zhu — soon followed. Chu’s exit is viewed as one of the most significant, given his seniority and involvement in shaping Apple’s AI operations.

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Meta Slows Hiring After AI Spending Spree, Even as Talent Exodus from Apple Continues

Meta’s aggressive push into artificial intelligence faces a new twist: while the company continues to lure away top Apple engineers, it has temporarily halted most hiring within its Superintelligence Labs.

According to an internal memo, Meta will pause recruitment across all MSL teams, except for “business critical” positions. The move comes after billions of dollars were invested in building up its advanced AI research division. Leaders will now reassess workforce needs to align staffing with long-term priorities, including growth plans for 2026.

Despite the slowdown, Meta has continued to invest heavily in talent. The arrival of Frank Chu, a senior Apple AI executive who oversaw cloud and search functions, highlights the company’s determination to strengthen its position in AI infrastructure. Chu joins a growing list of Apple AI specialists who have defected to Meta, led by Ruoming Pang, Apple’s former AI models chief.

Meta’s AI division was recently reorganized into four distinct units, now reporting to Alexandr Wang, the former head of Scale AI. Wang has publicly stated that the company is increasing its investment in advanced AI projects, signaling that while hiring is slowing, research and infrastructure remain top priorities.

Apple Faces AI Setbacks Amid High-Profile Departures

Apple is grappling with mounting challenges in its artificial intelligence strategy as it loses another senior leader to Meta. Frank Chu, who played a critical role in managing Apple’s large language models and supporting Siri’s development, has left to join Meta’s Superintelligence Labs.

Chu is the sixth AI-focused Apple executive to exit in just a few months. The exodus began after Ruoming Pang, the founder of Apple’s AI models team, departed in July. Pang’s exit, followed by several of his colleagues, has fueled concerns about the stability of Apple’s AI efforts.

Apple’s AI division has already faced turbulence, including delays in planned Siri updates and internal debates over whether to integrate third-party AI models into its voice assistant. The recent departures have only intensified speculation that Apple is falling behind rivals in the race to integrate generative AI technologies.

Industry watchers say Meta’s ability to attract Apple’s AI leaders highlights the growing competition for top talent in a field where expertise is scarce. For Apple, rebuilding its AI team will be crucial as the company works to redefine its strategy in a rapidly evolving market.