Apple Executive Behind Vision Pro Leaves for OpenAI
News Desk
27 June 2026, 16:03
OpenAI has reportedly hired Paul Meade, Apple's vice president responsible for the Vision Products Group, marking another significant move as the artificial intelligence company expands beyond software into AI-powered hardware.
According to a report by Bloomberg, Meade will leave Apple next week to lead OpenAI's newly established in-house hardware division. He has spent several years overseeing hardware engineering for Apple's Vision Pro headset and has also played a key role in the company's smart glasses projects.
The appointment comes as OpenAI continues to invest in AI-focused consumer devices following its $6.5 billion deal earlier this year with former Apple design chief Jony Ive's startup, io. Although io merged with OpenAI, the design studio continues to operate independently.
Strengthening OpenAI's Hardware Ambitions
Bloomberg reported that Meade will oversee the development of a family of AI-powered devices, though OpenAI has not disclosed what products are currently in development.
His arrival raises new questions about how OpenAI's internal hardware team will work alongside Jony Ive's design studio. Earlier this year, The Information reported that Ive's team is developing several AI devices, including a smart speaker that could launch in 2027.
Meade brings decades of hardware engineering experience to the role. Before joining Apple's Vision Products Group in 2017, he worked on the iPhone and iPad. He later led hardware engineering for Vision Pro, Apple's first mixed-reality headset, while also helping oversee the company's long-term smart glasses program.
According to Bloomberg, Fletcher Rothkopf, one of the founding members of the Vision Pro team, will assume many of Meade's responsibilities at Apple.
Leadership Changes at Apple
Bloomberg also reported that Meade's departure comes ahead of a broader leadership transition at Apple. The report said John Ternus, currently Apple's Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, is expected to succeed Tim Cook as the company's chief executive on September 1.
Neither Apple nor OpenAI has publicly commented on Meade's reported move.
The appointment highlights the growing competition for experienced hardware talent as AI companies increasingly invest in dedicated devices that combine advanced artificial intelligence with custom-designed hardware. For OpenAI, bringing in one of Apple's senior hardware leaders signals that the company's ambitions extend well beyond AI models and software services.
Source: Engadget
