Meta Platforms Delays Launch of AI Model 'Avocado' to May 2026

Here's what it means for you.
The delay in Meta's AI model release could impact your access to cutting-edge AI tools and services.
What happened
Meta Platforms has postponed the release of its next foundational AI model, codenamed 'Avocado', to at least May 2026 due to underperformance in internal benchmarks.
The Context
- Intensified Competition: Meta's AI model lags behind rivals like Google's Gemini 3 and OpenAI's GPT-5, highlighting the fierce landscape of AI development.
- Financial Commitment: Meta is projected to invest between $115-135 billion in AI infrastructure in 2026, following a $72 billion expenditure in 2025, indicating a strong commitment to AI advancement.
- Internal Challenges: Despite outperforming previous models, Avocado's shortcomings in reasoning, coding, and writing prompted the delay, reflecting ongoing challenges within Meta's AI division.
The Number
—this is Meta's projected capital expenditure for 2026, primarily focused on AI infrastructure, underscoring the scale of investment in the tech landscape.
Takeaway
As Meta refines its AI capabilities, expect a ripple effect in the industry that may lead to enhanced AI tools in the near future.
Insights by A47 Intelligence
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