Key Apple Hire Departs Microsoft’s AI And Mixed Reality Division, Report Says

What Happened: Insiders informed that while Caballero’s departure from Microsoft was not officially announced, he is no longer listed in the company’s internal directory, nor has he been seen at the office or on Teams chats, as per a Business Insider report on Tuesday. However, his LinkedIn profile still indicates his role at Microsoft as “present.”

Microsoft did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comment.

Caballero, who previously served as Apple’s president of engineering, was hired by Microsoft to work on devices such as HoloLens in the company’s mixed reality and AI organization. He was also appointed as a technical advisor to hardware startup Humane.

Microsoft has reportedly canceled several hardware projects to focus more on artificial intelligence.

Why It Matters: Caballero’s departure comes at a time when Microsoft is making significant strides in the fields of mixed reality and AI. This move could potentially impact the company’s future direction in these areas.

Microsoft’s increased focus on AI aligns with a broader industry trend. There has been a noticeable surge in demand for major AI projects, with use cases expanding in 2024. This suggests that AI is becoming an increasingly important aspect of the tech industry.

Furthermore, Microsoft’s recent emphasis on robotics to improve its data center operations indicates a broader commitment to technological innovation. Caballero’s departure could prompt a reevaluation of the company’s strategy in these areas.