AIML Residency Program

About the role

The 2026 is a one-year fellowship designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and apply machine learning to solve new complex problems. This program is owned and operated by Apple, specifically within the Machine Learning Research organization, and is open to graduates with advanced degrees. Fellows will join an Apple team for a duration of one year, working in close collaboration with a dedicated mentor and a diverse cohort of fellow Residents. The program is structured to support experts from various science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, including emerging ML researchers and engineers. During this residency, participants will develop revolutionary machine learning and AI-powered products and experiences that define the future of technology. The program welcomes a broad spectrum of candidates, such as Master's degree graduates, recent PhD graduates, postdocs, software and hardware engineers, and academics seeking a sabbatical to focus on industry research. By the conclusion of the fellowship, residents will have gained significant hands-on experience by partnering with research and development teams across Apple.

Key facts

What you'll do

You will join an Apple team to work on high-impact projects that directly influence future Apple products and features. You will apply advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) expertise to develop machine learning-based solutions for novel and complex challenges. You will learn from an experienced Apple mentor who will guide your research and professional development throughout the fellowship. You will collaborate with a cohort of fellow Residents to solve ambitious problems and share diverse perspectives. You will publish your findings at premier research venues to contribute to the broader scientific community. You will attend technical and leadership courses led by Apple and external educational institutions to refine your skill set. You will pursue independent study to explore innovative ideas and push the boundaries of current machine learning research. You will partner with research and development teams across Apple to ensure your work aligns with real-world product needs. You will engage in a rigorous evaluation process that tracks your growth and impact on the projects you own. You will help define the direction of machine learning applications that will shape the next generation of Apple technology.

Requirements

Eligibility for this fellowship is reserved for graduates with advanced degrees who are passionate about applying machine learning to complex problems. You must possess expertise in various science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields or be an emerging ML researcher or engineer seeking to deepen your industry experience. You must be authorized to work in the country where the position is located without requiring sponsorship now or at any time during the employment. This role is not eligible for remote work or relocation assistance, reflecting the on-site nature of the residency in Cupertino, California. You must be available to commit to a full-time, one-year program that demands active participation and collaboration. You should be prepared to adhere to Apple's policies regarding confidentiality and intellectual property. You must be willing to engage in continuous learning through courses, mentorship, and independent study. You must be legally authorized to accept employment in the United States and comply with all visa requirements for the duration of the program.

Nice to have

The program strongly prefers candidates who demonstrate a genuine interest in machine learning research and its practical applications. Preferred candidates will have a track record of innovation and a desire to create revolutionary products rather than incremental improvements. Experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams is highly valued, as the residency emphasizes interdisciplinary cooperation. An interest in contributing to open academic communities through publications and conference participation is also preferred.

Practical notes

The Apple AIML Residency operates on a full-time schedule, requiring consistent in-person attendance in Cupertino, California, as this is an on-site fellowship. The program does not offer remote work options, relocation assistance, or travel stipends for domestic or international relocation. Compensation details are not specified in the available source material. The application window for the 2026 cohort is currently open, and specific deadlines for submission are not provided in this overview. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position, which means only candidates who already possess the necessary work authorization for the United States are eligible to apply. The residency is designed to be a one-year commitment with a cohort of peers, focusing on long-term collaboration and deep research rather than short-term projects.