Silicon Valley, December 4, 2025 – The Europe Today: In a significant coup that highlights Meta Platforms Inc.’s accelerating push into AI-driven consumer hardware, the social media giant has hired Apple Inc.’s most prominent design executive, Alan Dye. The move marks one of the most high-profile talent shifts between the two tech giants in years.
According to individuals familiar with the matter, Dye — who has led Apple’s user interface design team since 2015 — informed Apple this week of his decision to leave. He will join Meta to head a newly established design studio responsible for hardware, software, and AI interface integration. Dye will report directly to Meta’s Chief Technology Officer Andrew Bosworth, who oversees Reality Labs, the division behind smart glasses and virtual reality devices. He will assume the role of Chief Design Officer effective December 31.
Apple confirmed Dye’s departure and announced that longtime designer Stephen Lemay will take over Dye’s responsibilities. “Steve Lemay has played a key role in the design of every major Apple interface since 1999,” CEO Tim Cook said in a statement to Bloomberg News. “He sets an extraordinarily high bar for excellence and embodies Apple’s culture of collaboration and creativity.”
Dye’s exit comes at a challenging moment for Apple’s design and leadership teams. Several senior executives have recently departed, including Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams, AI chief John Giannandrea, and former hardware chief Dan Riccio. Reports also indicate that other senior leaders, including silicon chief Johny Srouji and environment head Lisa Jackson, are evaluating their future roles at the company.
During his tenure, Dye played a central role in shaping the look and feel of Apple’s operating systems, apps, and key devices. Most recently, he oversaw the Vision Pro headset interface and drove major redesigns across Apple’s software platforms. He also contributed to the development of upcoming smart home devices.
Meta’s recruitment of Dye signals its growing ambition to become a major hardware brand with devices deeply integrated with artificial intelligence. His primary focus at Meta will be redesigning consumer devices with advanced AI features.
In market reaction, Apple’s shares slipped nearly 1% to US$284.15, while Meta’s stock dropped 1.2% to US$639.60 on Wednesday.
Joining Dye at Meta is Billy Sorrentino, a senior director on Apple’s design team since 2016. Meta’s existing design leaders — Joshua To, Jason Rubin, and Peter Bristol — will also report to Dye.
