New Delhi: Alan Dye, the iconic design mind of Apple, one of the world’s most talked about tech companies, has said goodbye to the company after a long tenure of almost two decades. Dye, who created revolutionary designs like the ‘Liquid Glass’ interface of iOS 26 and macOS 26, will now take over as Meta’s new Chief Design Officer. According to a report, he will officially join his new role from December 31.
This change is not only a major turn in Apple’s design leadership, but is also considered a decisive step for Meta, which is accelerating the race to shape future technology with AI-driven headsets and smart glasses. Dye will now lead a new design studio at Meta, which will focus on unifying both hardware and software experiences.
Alan Dye joined Apple in 2006. In his early years, he made his mark in marketing and communication design, but soon his inclination turned towards interface design. In 2012, he joined Jony Ive’s prestigious design team, where he shaped the largest visual overhaul in Apple’s history with iOS 7. Flat, minimal and clean interface had set a new trend in the entire tech industry.
When Jony Ive became Chief Design Officer in 2015, Dye was given leadership of user interface design. He guided the visual experience of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and visionOS. His contributions to the Vision Pro interface and the latest ‘Liquid Glass’ design language were instrumental in further enhancing Apple’s design DNA. Apple has appointed Stephen Lemme, who has been working in the company for 25 years, as the new UI head in place of Alan Dye.
Apple CEO Tim Cook said that Steve Lemme has played a key role in the design of every major Apple interface since 1999. He has always set exceptionally high standards for excellence and embodies Apple’s culture of collaboration and creativity.
Meta is already making headway with Quest headsets, Ray-Ban Meta glasses, and AI integrated devices. The addition of Alan Dye signals the integration and refinement of Meta’s hardware and software experience. Die’s design approach of minimalism, clarity and user-focused interactions could prove to be a game-changer for the Meta, especially at a time when the Meta is pitted against the likes of the Apple Vision Pro.
Alan Dye’s transition between Apple’s ‘perfectionist’ design thinking and Meta’s ‘experimental’ technological ambitions is not just a job change. This is like the beginning of a new era of design thinking in Silicon Valley. Now all eyes will be on what kind of next big revolution the new design vision of Meta brings to the industry.
