Alan Dye to Lead Meta’s Hardware, Software, and AI Design Starting December 31

Bloomberg reports that Alan Dye, who has run Apple’s UI design team since 2015, is leaving to join Meta as its chief design officer. Dye is set to join Meta on December 31 and will oversee design for Meta’s hardware, software, and AI integration across its interfaces. He will report to Meta’s chief technology officer, Andrew Bosworth.

At Apple, Steve Lemay will replace Dye, the company confirmed. Tim Cook praised Lemay’s long-standing role in shaping Apple’s interfaces and noted the company’s design culture. Following the retirement of former COO Jeff Williams, Apple’s design team now reports directly to Cook.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg outlined the vision for the new design studio, saying it will merge design, fashion, and technology to shape the next generation of products and experiences. He described AI as a new design material and emphasized creating human-centered, intuitive experiences. The goal is to elevate design within Meta and assemble a team skilled in craft, vision, systems thinking, and deep product-building experience that bridges hardware and software. Zuckerberg also stressed that in a world where AI-enabled glasses and related devices become more common, thoughtful and people-centered interactions will be paramount.

Joining Meta alongside Dye is Apple designer Billy Sorrentino, who will also move to Meta, according to Zuckerberg. Apple declined to comment immediately.

Dye’s departure is part of a broader wave of leadership changes at Apple. Jeff Williams’ retirement earlier and AI chief John Giannandrea stepping down have already shifted leadership. Bloomberg has also reported that chips lead Johny Srouji is evaluating his future at Apple.

Update, December 3: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s posts were added to the story.