Apple Vision Pro exec Paul Meade leaves for OpenAI's hardware team
Apple's Vision Pro VP joins OpenAI to build AI hardware, sources say.
A key Apple executive is leaving for OpenAI. Paul Meade, the Apple vice president who oversaw the Vision Pro headset and also spearheaded development of the company's planned AI-powered smart glasses, is departing to join OpenAI's hardware team, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The move comes as Apple's costly Vision Pro failed to gain traction in the market, while Meta's more affordable wearables have gained momentum. Apple is banking on a cheaper version of smart glasses launching next year to compete, but now it will need a new leader for those efforts.
Gurman frames Meade's departure as a byproduct of John Ternus' imminent elevation to Apple CEO and his decision to shake up the hardware engineering team, leaving some VPs feeling demoted. For OpenAI, the hire strengthens its hardware ambitions as it reportedly works with former Apple design chief Jony Ive on a device that CEO Sam Altman has described as more peaceful and calm than an iPhone. However, reports last fall indicated OpenAI was struggling to nail down the details. TechCrunch has reached out to both companies for comment.
- Paul Meade, Apple VP for Vision Pro and AI smart glasses, is leaving for OpenAI's hardware team.
- Apple's Vision Pro was a commercial disappointment; cheaper smart glasses planned for 2025 to compete with Meta.
- OpenAI is also collaborating with ex-Apple design chief Jony Ive on an AI device; Meade's hire signals hardware push.
Why It Matters
Talent drain from Apple to OpenAI signals intensifying competition for AI hardware leadership and product design.