Meta has recruited Alan Dye, a prominent design executive responsible for key Apple product aesthetics, to lead a new studio focused on hardware, software, and artificial intelligence, signaling an escalation in its competition with Apple.
Dye, previously Apple’s Vice President of Human Interface Design and Chief Design Officer, will now head Meta’s new design studio. His move, reported by Bloomberg, represents a significant shift of top talent between the rival tech giants.
At Apple, Dye was instrumental in shaping the company’s design language since 2019. His notable work included the interface of visionOS and the distinct “Liquid Glass” aesthetic.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced Dye’s appointment via Threads, stating the new studio will integrate design, fashion, and technology. Zuckerberg emphasized a vision where “intelligence” is treated as a new design material, enabling versatile and human-centered possibilities.
The new studio will encompass Meta’s overall design efforts across hardware, software, and AI products. The team will also include former Apple designers, Meta’s head of design, and teams for metaverse and product design.
This high-profile recruitment comes as Meta is heavily investing in the wearable technology market. The company’s current offerings include the Quest headset and Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.
Meta also has future plans for display-equipped glasses and a Neural Band wristband. Meanwhile, Apple is widely rumored to be developing its own smart glasses, setting up a direct rivalry in this emerging sector.
Apple has already moved to fill the vacant role. Stephen Lemay, a senior designer who has been with Apple since 1999, will take over Dye’s responsibilities.