Meta has delayed the launch of its highly anticipated Avocado AI model until at least May due to performance concerns, according to sources familiar with the matter. The tech giant had originally planned an earlier release but decided to postpone after the model failed to meet internal benchmarks. Meta has also reportedly discussed temporarily licensing Google's Gemini AI to power some of its products while working to resolve Avocado's issues.
The delay represents a significant setback for Meta's AI ambitions as the company has invested billions of dollars to compete with OpenAI, Google, and other AI leaders. Meta's push into artificial intelligence has been central to CEO Mark Zuckerberg's vision for the company's future, particularly as it seeks to integrate AI capabilities across its social media platforms and metaverse initiatives.
Meta's AI investments have reached billions in spending as the company builds massive data centers and acquires specialized chips to train large language models. The Avocado model was expected to demonstrate Meta's ability to develop competitive AI technology in-house rather than relying on external providers. Industry analysts had been closely watching the model's release as a key indicator of Meta's AI progress.
The postponement could impact Meta's competitive position in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, where companies are racing to deploy increasingly sophisticated models. If Meta proceeds with licensing Gemini, it would mark a notable shift toward partnership rather than pure internal development. The delay also raises questions about whether other tech giants may face similar challenges in bringing advanced AI models to market on aggressive timelines.