Apple's head of home hardware moves to smart ring maker Oura

Brian Lynch, who previously headed Apple's home hardware division responsible for developing products like HomePod and Apple TV, has reportedly moved to Oura, a smart ring manufacturer.

Apple's Head of Home Hardware Leaves for Smart Ring Maker Oura - Bloomberg
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-17/apple-s-head-of-home-hardware-leaves-for-smart-ring-maker-oura

Apple's Head of Home Hardware Leaves for Smart Ring Maker Oura - MacRumors
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/17/apple-home-hardware-lead-departs/

Apple has been making a serious push into smart home technology in recent years, but the release of devices such as smart displays has been repeatedly delayed due to significant delays in the development of an enhanced AI-integrated version of Siri . Smart displays are expected to be released as early as September 2026, while a desktop robot equipped with advanced home security and automation sensors is scheduled for release in 2027.

Former Apple employee explains 'the reason why development of an AI-enhanced Siri is delayed' - GIGAZINE

Lynch had worked at Apple for over 20 years, serving as Senior Director of Home Devices since 2022, overseeing the hardware aspects of new devices. However, on March 17, 2026, Tom Hale, CEO of smart ring maker Oura, told the media that Lynch had left Apple and joined Oura as Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering.

According to MacRumors, which covers Apple-related news, Oura has poached several employees from Apple in recent years. In 2025, they hired Ricky Bloomfield from Apple's healthcare team as their chief medical officer, and Oura's head of design, Mikul Silvant, previously worked in Apple's design department.

Regarding Lynch's departure, Bloomberg noted, 'Lynch's departure will bring new disruption to Apple's smart home division, which has been struggling in that area for many years. Apple has lagged far behind in new products, new features, and third-party support.'

Apple continues to experience a brain drain, with Alan Dye, who led the user interface (UI) design team, leaving to join Meta, and Johnny Slooge, who spearheaded the development of Apple Silicon, reportedly seriously considering leaving the company. Furthermore, it has been reported that John Giannandrea, Apple's former head of AI, and Apple's legal counsel are also scheduled to retire in the latter half of 2026.

Apple's head of UI design moves to Meta; Apple, facing a period of organizational transformation as talent drain continues - GIGAZINE

An Apple spokesperson declined to comment when contacted by the media.