Meta is changing its AI strategy. The company plans to launch a closed model that it can sell access to, moving away from its long-standing open-source approach. CEO Mark Zuckerberg is taking an active role in the daily work as the company builds one of the most expensive teams in tech history.
Avocado Model Set for Spring Launch
According to Bloomberg, the new model carries the codename Avocado. It is expected to debut sometime next spring. The model will be closed, meaning Meta can control it tightly and charge customers for access.
This approach matches what rivals Google and OpenAI do with their AI models. It marks the biggest departure yet from Meta’s open-source strategy. Open-source models let outside developers and researchers review and build on the code. The new direction aims to create a direct revenue stream from AI work.
Leadership Push Behind Strategic Shift
Zuckerberg is getting personally involved in day-to-day operations. The move signals how important AI monetization has become for Meta. The company has invested heavily in building its AI capabilities and now wants financial returns.
New Chief Advocates Closed Approach
Meta’s new Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang supports closed models, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. Wang’s influence appears to be shaping the company’s new direction. The shift reflects broader industry trends where companies seek to protect their AI investments and generate revenue.
Meta has spent years promoting open-source AI as a core principle. The company argued that open models drive innovation and benefit the broader tech community. But the high costs of AI development are pushing Meta toward a more traditional business model. The Avocado model will test whether Meta can compete with established paid AI services while maintaining some open-source projects.
