Robby Walker, one of Apple’s senior AI executives, will leave the company in October. He managed Siri until earlier this year, when Apple reassigned his responsibilities to Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of engineering. The move came after Apple delayed its updated version of Siri without offering a clear release date.
Reports indicate Walker played a role in the delay, frustrating users who expected stronger AI improvements.
Work on AI-Powered Web Search
After stepping away from Siri, Walker led Apple’s Answers, Information, and Knowledge team. This group is developing an AI-powered search system that aims to compete with tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity. Bloomberg reported that the project, called “Answers,” remains in progress and could launch in 2026.
Walker’s exit raises questions about whether Apple can stay on track and deliver the feature as promised.
Growing Wave of Departures
Walker is not the only major loss for Apple’s AI division. Meta has lured several top figures with large compensation packages, including Ruoming Pang, who joined with a $200 million deal. Frank Chu, Apple’s former director of engineering, also moved to Meta in September.
These moves show how aggressively tech giants are competing for AI experts as they race to advance generative AI, digital assistants, and search tools.
What’s Next for Apple
Apple has not revealed Walker’s next role. His departure highlights Apple’s challenge to hold onto leadership talent while delivering on delayed AI projects. With Meta and other rivals pulling senior engineers, Apple must prove it can remain competitive in the fast-changing AI industry.
