Apple (AAPL) is losing one of its most senior artificial intelligence (AI) executives. Robby Walker, who has played a key role in the company’s AI and search strategy, is expected to leave next month. His departure marks another high-profile exit from Apple’s AI division, which has been struggling to deliver on AI innovations, especially related to Siri and next-gen search tools.
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Walker had joined Apple in 2013, when the tech giant acquired his startup, Cue. He led the company’s Answers, Information, and Knowledge team. He was involved in developing Apple’s new AI-powered web search system, designed to compete with platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity. That product is expected to launch next year.
Walker’s exit follows a series of setbacks for Apple’s AI efforts. Earlier this year, oversight of Siri was shifted from Walker to software chief Craig Federighi after delays in rolling out key features.
Talent Drain in AAPL’s AI Division
Walker’s departure adds to a growing list of AI talent leaving Apple. Ruoming Pang, who led the AI models team, and the robotics research head, Jian Zhang, recently joined Meta Platforms (META), along with several engineers and researchers. Frank Chu, another senior executive focused on search infrastructure, also left for Meta’s Superintelligence Labs.
These high-profile exits reflect a broader trend of top AI talent leaving Apple, which could pose a challenge to the company as it increases its focus on developing next-generation AI technologies.
Is Apple a Buy, Sell, or Hold?
Turning to Wall Street, Apple stock has a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on 14 Buys, 15 Holds, and two Sells assigned in the last three months. At $240.63, the average AAPL stock price target implies a 2.8% upside potential.
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