Apple poaches AI experts from Google, creates secretive European AI lab

Enlarge / Apple has been tight-lipped about its AI plans but industry insiders suggest the company is focused on deploying generative AI on its mobile devices. (credit: FT montage/Getty Images)

Apple has poached dozens of artificial intelligence experts from Google and has created a secretive European laboratory in Zurich, as the tech giant builds a team to battle rivals in developing new AI models and products.

According to a Financial Times analysis of hundreds of LinkedIn profiles as well as public job postings and research papers, the $2.7 trillion company has undertaken a hiring spree over recent years to expand its global AI and machine learning team.

The iPhone maker has particularly targeted workers from Google, attracting at least 36 specialists from its rival since it poached John Giannandrea to be its top AI executive in 2018.