Alan Dye leaves Apple for Meta to lead design studio for hardware, software and AI

Alan Dye, Apple’s long‑time head of interface design, is joining Meta to run a new studio responsible for hardware, software and AI experiences. The hire brings together senior designers and industrial teams as Meta presses to expand its consumer hardware and AI ambitions.

Apple reportedly named Stephen Lemay, a veteran interface designer, as Dye’s replacement. Dye had been a central figure shaping recent Apple UI work, including contributions to visionOS and Apple’s Liquid Glass design language.

Key details

• Alan Dye will lead a Meta studio tasked with product design across hardware, software and AI.
• Meta’s new team includes other senior designers and industrial leads aimed at accelerating device and AI product development.
• Apple will promote Stephen Lemay to take over interface design responsibilities.

Why it matters

High‑profile design hires can shape product direction and user experience. Meta has seen success with Quest headsets and Ray‑Ban smart glasses; adding Dye signals a push to broaden its hardware lineup and integrate AI more deeply into product design. For Apple, replacing a veteran designer tests the company’s design bench and continuity.

Industry context

• Competition for seasoned design talent has intensified as companies race on AR/VR, smart glasses and AI‑infused devices.
• Design leadership affects not just aesthetics but how hardware, software and AI capabilities are combined to form user experiences.

Meta framed the studio’s mission as treating intelligence as a new design material to imagine human‑centered AI experiences. Apple’s internal promotion aims to maintain continuity in its interface work amid the transition.

Discussion: Do you think Alan Dye’s move will give Meta a design advantage in future hardware and AI products — or will Apple’s deep design team keep its lead? Which product areas (smart glasses, AR/VR, wearables) matter most to you in this rivalry?