Apple recently announced that it had hired a new chief to lead its AI‑powered web‑search effort, a move that many saw as a push to challenge Google and other rivals. Bloomberg reported that the new head, formerly a senior executive at another major tech company, is now leaving Apple to take a senior AI role at Meta.
The announcement came at a time when Apple is actively expanding its artificial‑intelligence capabilities. In 2023 Apple launched “Siri 4.0,” which added more conversational features, and the company has been forming partnerships with AI research labs to keep pace with the rapid growth of models like ChatGPT. The new leader was expected to steer Apple’s upcoming search engine, designed to integrate Siri, the Apple Maps experience, and the company’s extensive data set.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has also been ramping up its own AI push, investing heavily in large language models and multimodal applications. By hiring the former Apple executive, Meta aims to strengthen its competitive position in the AI space and reinforce its strategy to monetize AI across social and e‑commerce platforms.
Apple’s decision to move in a different direction was not unexpected. The company has faced criticism over the performance of its open‑source library and its delay in releasing a dedicated AI web‑search product. The departure of the new head raises questions about Apple’s internal coordination and the timeline for launching a rival to Google’s search engine.
Tech analysts suggest that Apple’s lack of a clear launch date may leave it vulnerable to further talent movements. Meanwhile, Meta’s acquisition of the former Apple executive signals a broader trend of top AI talent switching between the largest tech firms. Investors are watching closely, as these shifts could influence market share in both search and social‑media advertising.
For users, the biggest takeaway is that the next big AI‑powered search experience could be in the works from either company. Apple will likely hold back and refine its technology, while Meta pushes ahead to monetize its AI across billions of users. Even if Apple’s new search tool is delayed, it remains a strategic move to keep the company in the AI conversation, while Meta’s fresh talent helps it stay ahead of the competition.
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