Apples head of UI design leaves for Meta
In a significant shake-up within the tech industry, Alan Dye, Apple’s head of UI design, has departed the company to join Meta, as reported by Bloomberg. Dye has been a pivotal figure at Apple since 2015, leading the UI design team through the evolution of its operating systems, including iOS 9 and macOS 9, and overseeing ten iterations of each platform. His expertise has shaped the user experience for millions of Apple users, making his move to Meta particularly noteworthy. At Meta, Dye will take the helm of design for a new creative studio within the Reality Labs division, focusing on the integration of hardware, software, and artificial intelligence—an area where Meta is actively seeking innovation to enhance its product offerings.
Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed Dye’s departure and announced that Stephen Lemay, a veteran designer at Apple since 1999, will succeed him. Cook praised Lemay for his high standards and collaborative spirit, emphasizing that he has been instrumental in the design of every major Apple interface over the past two decades. This transition comes at a critical juncture for Apple, which is reportedly developing its first foldable iPhone, a project that will likely necessitate a comprehensive redesign of its iOS interface. Dye’s exit adds to a series of high-profile departures from Apple, including COO Jeff Williams and AI chief John Giannandrea, raising questions about the company’s direction amid increasing competition and the need for innovation.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed enthusiasm for Dye’s new role, highlighting the studio’s mission to blend design, fashion, and technology to create the next generation of products and experiences. Alongside Dye, Billy Sorrentino, another Apple designer, will also join the team at Meta. This strategic hiring underscores Meta’s commitment to enhancing its design capabilities as it navigates the evolving landscape of virtual and augmented reality. As both companies move forward, the impact of these leadership changes will be closely watched, particularly as they strive to redefine user experiences in an increasingly competitive market.
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Apple
‘s head of UI design and long-time executive Alan Dye has left Apple to join Meta,
Bloomberg reported
on Wednesday.
Dye has been the head of Apple’s UI design team since 2015, having overseen numerous major launches. For example, in 2015 the OS versions across Apple’s major platforms were iOS 9 and macOS 9; we’ve seen ten iterations of each platform since.
According to the report, Dye will now be head of design for hardware, software and AI integration at Meta’s freshly created design studio.
Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed the news to Bloomberg, and said that his replacement will be long-time Apple designer Stephen Lemay.
“Steve Lemay has played a key role in the design of every major Apple interface since 1999. He has always set an extraordinarily high bar for excellence and embodies Apple’s culture of collaboration and creativity,” Cook said in a statement.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the creation of a “new creative studio in Reality Labs” which will be led by Alan Dye.
“The new studio will bring together design, fashion, and technology to define the next generation of our products and experiences,” he wrote.
Zuckerberg also said Apple designer Billy Sorrentino will also be coming to Meta and joining Dye’s team.
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Dye leaves Apple at a particularly sensitive time. The company is rumored to be working on a
foldable iPhone
, the first such product for Apple, which will surely require a significant revamp of the iOS user interface.
Dye’s departure follows several other high-profile executive exits from Apple. The company COO Jeff WIlliams retired in November, and Apple’s AI chief John Giannandrea announced his departure last week.
