Apple is set to merge its San Diego team of 121 employees with its Austin counterpart, creating ripples of uncertainty among staff. The team, responsible for scrutinizing Siri interactions, faces a relocation to Austin, Texas, with potential consequences for those opting not to move.
Initially promised a move to another San Diego campus by the end of January, employees were taken aback by the sudden shift to Texas. While Apple assures the team of opportunities to apply for other roles within the company, skepticism lingers, with many feeling unqualified for alternative positions in the city.
For those choosing to relocate, Apple sweetens the deal with $7,000 stipends. However, others opting not to move will receive severance packages, including four weeks of pay and an additional week for each year of service, along with six months of health insurance.
The San Diego team, responsible for reviewing Siri recordings in various languages, including Hebrew, English, Spanish, and Arabic, finds itself in the midst of Apple's larger AI strategy. Despite previous perceptions of Apple lagging in AI, recent efforts, including investing in training data and optimizing LLMs for iPhones, suggest a determined push to catch up with industry competitors.
Apple's Siri consolidation raises questions about its evolving AI plans. As the tech giant continues to make strategic moves, the industry eagerly awaits the official announcement of its LLM plans in June. The future of Siri and Apple's AI endeavors seems poised for significant developments.
