Apple's 'interface wizard' joins Meta.

Alan Dye left Apple to join Meta. Photo: Apple.

According to Bloomberg , Meta has successfully lured Alan Dye, Apple's leading interface designer, in a move considered a major turning point. This reflects the social media giant's ambition to accelerate the development of AI-integrated consumer devices.

Dye, who has held a key position in Apple's user interface design since 2015, will leave the company after notifying the board this week. Apple will appoint veteran designer Stephen Lemay to replace him.

“Steve Lemay has played a vital role in designing every major Apple interface since 1999. He has always set very high standards for excellence and embodies the creative, collaborative culture at the company,” said CEO Tim Cook.

Dye's departure from Apple follows a wave of personnel changes within the design team since legendary Jony Ive left the company in 2019. Dye played a key role in shaping the interface of the operating system, applications, and new devices, including Vision Pro, Apple Watch, and iPhone X. His team also participated in developing new smart home devices.

On Meta's side, the company is establishing a new design studio and assigning Dye to oversee all hardware, software, and AI integration design for future products. He will report directly to Andrew Bosworth, Chief Technology Officer and head of Reality Labs, the division developing smart glasses, virtual reality headsets, and wearable devices.

Dye's central focus at Meta is to enhance the consumer device experience through AI technology. He will officially assume the position of Chief Design Officer of the corporation on December 31st.

Alan Dye (right) was tasked with overseeing all hardware design for Meta. Photo: Apple .

Alongside Dye, Meta also recruited Billy Sorrentino, Vice President and former senior leader in Apple's design team since 2016. Meta's current design team leaders, Joshua To, Jason Rubin, and Peter Bristol, will report directly to Dye.

Dye's departure comes at a time when the iPhone maker is undergoing a series of significant personnel changes. Jeff Williams, one of the veteran leaders, announced his retirement in November. AI director John Giannandrea also announced his departure in December after a long period of effort helping Apple catch up in the artificial intelligence race.

Previously, Dan Riccio, the former head of hardware, left the company late last year. Bloomberg reported that changes could continue, as many other senior leaders, including Cook, are approaching retirement age. Several other executives, such as Johnny Srouji and Lisa Jackson, are also considering their future at Apple.