Meta has delayed the launch of its next-generation AI model, Avocado, from this month until after May, the New York Times reported on March 12 local time.
The delay came because internal performance tests showed it lagging behind flagship models from rivals such as Google, OpenAI and Anthropic.
Citing 3 sources familiar with the internal situation, the New York Times said Avocado fell short of the level of rivals’ latest models in evaluations covering reasoning, coding and writing.
Avocado outperformed Meta’s previous model and Google Gemini 2.5, but was assessed as falling short of Gemini 3.0 released in November last year.
As the launch is delayed, Meta’s AI leadership is reported to be discussing a plan to introduce Google Gemini for its AI products through a temporary licensing arrangement. But a final decision has not yet been made.
Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg (마크 저커버그) vowed in July last year, "With a new AI model, we will lead the front line within the next year." Zuckerberg has poured billions of dollars into the AI race and has flagged investment of up to $135 billion this year on building data centres alone.
Chi-gyu Hwang
delight@d-today.co.kr