In a move that signals a significant transition for Apple’s design culture, Meta has successfully hired Alan Dye, Apple’s head of user interface design. Reported by Bloomberg, this recruitment is being described as a “seismic shift” in the tech landscape. Dye, who has steered the look and feel of Apple’s software since 2015, will be leaving Cupertino to spearhead Meta’s push into AI-equipped consumer devices. This marks one of the most high-profile departures from Apple’s design team since Jony Ive left in 2019.
Starting December 31, Dye will serve as the Chief Design Officer for Meta’s Reality Labs, reporting directly to CTO Andrew Bosworth. In this new capacity, Dye will oversee a newly created design studio tasked with unifying hardware, software, and artificial intelligence integration. His primary focus will be revamping Meta’s consumer lineup, including smart glasses and VR headsets, injecting the design sensibilities he honed over years at Apple.
Apple confirmed that Stephen Lemay, a longtime designer who joined Apple in 1999, will take over the top interface role. Lemay is a veteran who has been instrumental in the company’s history. Apple CEO Tim Cook praised Lemay in a statement, noting that he has “played a key role in the design of every major Apple interface since 1999” and embodies the company’s culture of collaboration.
Following Jony Ive’s departure, Dye took on a critical role in defining the visual identity of the Apple ecosystem. He oversaw the interface for the recent Vision Pro headset, the Apple Watch, and the iPhone X, alongside sweeping redesigns of Apple’s operating systems. His team was also reportedly working on a new slate of smart home devices. Notably, Dye won’t be going to Meta alone; Billy Sorrentino, a senior director on Apple’s design team, is also joining him.
With Stephen Lemay stepping up, do you think Apple’s design language will evolve or stay the course? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Stay updated with the latest news on this by downloading the Appleosophy App from the App Store or by visiting our website.
