Full Breakdown
Meta Delays Launch of AI Model "Avocado"
3/13/2026, 11:22:26 AM
Overview of the Delay
Meta Platforms, Inc. has postponed the release of its new artificial intelligence model, code-named "Avocado," to at least May 2026, a delay from its initial March launch date. This decision comes amid reports that Avocado's performance has not met expectations when compared to leading AI models from competitors such as Google and OpenAI.
Performance Comparison
Internal assessments indicate that Avocado has outperformed Meta's previous AI model but falls short of the capabilities of Google's Gemini 3.0, which was released in November 2025. Avocado's performance is currently positioned between Google's Gemini 2.5 and Gemini 3.0, leading to concerns about its competitiveness in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Investment in AI Development
Despite the delay, Meta continues to invest heavily in its AI initiatives. The company has outlined capital spending plans ranging from $115 billion to $135 billion for the year, focusing on the development of "superintelligence," a concept where AI systems surpass human intelligence. This investment includes plans to build proprietary chips to support its AI ambitions.
Official Statements & Responses
A spokesperson for Meta stated, “Our next model will be good, but more importantly, show the rapid trajectory we’re on, and then we’ll steadily push the frontier over the course of the year as we continue to release new models.” The spokesperson expressed excitement about the upcoming developments, emphasizing the company's commitment to advancing its AI technologies.
Licensing Discussions
In light of Avocado's performance challenges, Meta's AI division has explored the possibility of temporarily licensing Google's Gemini technology to enhance its AI products. However, no formal decisions have been made regarding this potential collaboration.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics have raised concerns about Meta's ability to keep pace with its competitors in the AI sector. The delay in Avocado's launch may hinder Meta's efforts to attract top talent and maintain its position in the competitive AI landscape, where companies like Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic are currently leading.
What's Next
As Meta prepares for the delayed launch of Avocado, the company is expected to continue refining the model and exploring strategic partnerships to bolster its AI capabilities. The tech community will be closely monitoring the developments as Meta aims to regain momentum in the AI race.
