Former Apple Vision Pro Head Joins OpenAI to Work on Hardware
Photo: TechCrunch
Quick answer
Apple’s former Vision Pro vice president Paul Mead is transitioning to OpenAI to lead hardware development for AI projects. His departure follows recent leadership changes at Apple under new CEO John Ternus.
Apple’s vice president Paul Mead, who oversaw the development of the Vision Pro headset, is leaving the company. According to Bloomberg, he is joining OpenAI to work on hardware solutions for AI projects. Mead also led the development of AI-powered smart glasses, which Apple plans to unveil next year.
Mead’s departure may be linked to leadership changes at Apple following John Ternus’ appointment as CEO. Sources indicate Ternus reorganized the engineering team, causing dissatisfaction among some top executives. Despite its premium pricing, Vision Pro failed to meet expectations, prompting Apple to pivot toward more affordable wearable devices to compete with Meta*.
At OpenAI, Mead will join a team collaborating with former Apple chief designer Jony Ive. They are working on a new device described by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman as “calmer and more harmonious” than the iPhone. However, reports from last fall highlighted challenges in refining the project’s details.
* Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and other Meta services are owned by Meta Platforms Inc., an organization designated as extremist and banned in the Russian Federation.
Common questions
- Why is Paul Mead leaving Apple?
- His exit is reportedly tied to leadership restructuring at Apple after John Ternus became CEO, with some executives feeling sidelined.
- Which projects did Mead oversee at Apple?
- He led the development of the Vision Pro headset and Apple’s upcoming AI-powered smart glasses, expected in 2025.
- What will Mead focus on at OpenAI?
- He will join the hardware team working on AI-driven devices, including a new project in collaboration with former Apple designer Jony Ive.
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