Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has brought a major name into his hardware push, welcoming former Apple design chief Alan Dye to lead a new creative studio inside Reality Labs. Dye recently left his role as Apple’s Vice President of Human Interface Design, and Zuckerberg confirmed the move directly in his Threads posts. He said this studio will help Meta define the “next generation” of devices.
Dye spent nearly two decades shaping Apple’s software design language. His move signals how seriously Meta wants to compete in hardware. Zuckerberg wrote that the new team will “treat intelligence as a new design material,” and he stressed that Meta wants to blend design, fashion, and technology in a single group. He also said Meta plans to “elevate design” inside the company.
Zuckerberg added that the goal is to build devices that feel natural and are centered around people. He said, “We’re entering a new era where AI glasses and other devices will change how we connect with technology and each other.” He wants every interaction to feel thoughtful and intuitive.
A New Studio With Former Apple Designers
Zuckerberg revealed that former Apple designer Billy Sorrentino is joining Dye at Meta. Sorrentino worked on Apple’s Liquid Glass redesign in iOS 26, and he brings a decade of experience from Apple’s human interface team.
Along with both Apple hires, Meta is pulling in its existing industrial design team led by Pete Bristol and its metaverse design and art teams led by Jason Rubin. Joshua To, who has led interface design across Reality Labs, is joining the group as well.
This combined studio will work on Meta’s next wave of hardware. The company already sells Quest headsets and AI smart glasses built with Ray-Ban and Oakley, and it is developing a full AR glasses platform.
Zuckerberg closed his announcement by saying he is excited to have Dye and Sorrentino join him, Boz, and the rest of the Reality Labs leadership. He called it “important work” as Meta prepares its next generation of products.
