Key Points
- Meta is developing a new AI model called “Avocado.”
- Avocado is expected to be proprietary and slated for release in 2026.
- The project is led by Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang within the AI Superintelligence Labs.
- Meta has faced delays and criticism with its Llama 4 model.
- Several hundred FAIR researchers were laid off, and Chief AI Scientist Yann LeCun left the company.
- The shift reflects Meta’s desire to stay competitive with OpenAI and Google.
- Meta plans to invest $600 billion in AI over the next few years.
Background
Meta has long positioned itself as a champion of open‑source AI, releasing models like Llama to the broader community. However, recent internal developments suggest a strategic pivot. The company has faced challenges with the rollout of Llama 4, including delays and mixed reception from developers. Safety concerns and competitive pressure have prompted leadership to reconsider the openness of future models.
The Avocado Project
According to multiple reports, Meta is developing a new large‑language model known internally as “Avocado.” The model is slated for release sometime in 2026 and is expected to be proprietary rather than open‑source. Avocado is being built by a smaller group within Meta’s AI Superintelligence Labs, a unit overseen by Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang, who reportedly favors closed models. The project reflects Meta’s broader ambition to invest heavily in superintelligence, with the company planning to spend $600 billion over the next few years on AI initiatives.
Leadership Changes
Meta’s AI restructuring has included significant personnel moves. The company laid off several hundred workers from its Fundamental Artificial Intelligence Research (FAIR) unit. Additionally, Yann LeCun, Meta’s veteran Chief AI Scientist and a vocal proponent of open‑source AI, announced his departure. These changes underscore a shift in strategic priorities, with Wang’s leadership emphasizing safety and competitive positioning.
Implications for the AI Landscape
The development of Avocado marks a notable departure from Meta’s earlier public commitments to open‑source AI. While Zuckerberg has previously asserted that Meta would continue to lead in open‑source, he also noted that the company would not “open source everything that we do.” The Avocado initiative aligns with that nuanced stance, positioning Meta to compete more directly with rivals such as OpenAI and Google, which continue to release influential proprietary models. Industry observers suggest that the move may influence the broader debate over openness, safety, and competitiveness in the rapidly evolving AI field.
Source: engadget.com