Meta Platforms has succeeded in hiring away one of Apple’s most influential design leaders, marking a major step in its ambition to expand into AI-powered consumer hardware. The company is bringing on Alan Dye, who has led Apple’s user interface design group since 2015, according to sources familiar with the development. Apple will replace Dye with veteran designer Stephen Lemay, though the company has not yet publicly announced the reshuffle.
In a statement to Bloomberg, Apple CEO Tim Cook praised Lemay’s long track record, noting that he has contributed to every major Apple interface since 1999 and exemplifies the company’s collaborative, high-standards design culture.
Dye’s departure is another blow to Apple’s design division, which has seen steady turnover since Jony Ive left in 2019. Dye had become increasingly central in defining the look and feel of Apple’s operating systems, apps, and devices. He recently informed Apple of his decision to exit, though leaders had anticipated the move.
At Meta, Dye will head a newly formed design studio overseeing hardware, software and AI-driven interfaces, reporting to CTO Andrew Bosworth. His role will focus on reimagining Meta’s consumer devices with AI. He will also be joined by senior Apple design director Billy Sorrentino, while Meta’s existing design heads will report to him.
