Meta Restructures for AI Integration in Reality Labs
Meta is undergoing a significant organizational restructuring within its Reality Labs and Metaverse divisions as it intensifies its focus on incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) across its offerings, as reported by Business Insider.
Leadership Changes Announced
In a memo acquired by Business Insider, Chief Technology Officer Andrew Bosworth disclosed that Vishal Shah, the former head of the Metaverse, will now lead AI Products within the newly established Meta Superintelligence Labs (MSL). This division aims to develop and integrate “personal superintelligence” into Meta’s various platforms. Shah, who has directed Reality Labs for the past four years, will now manage AI integration efforts across both the Family of Apps (FoA) and Reality Labs, directly reporting to MSL head Nat Friedman. Bosworth’s memo highlighted that the focus on metaverse initiatives remains steadfast and continues to be a priority for the entire company. “We’ve demonstrated our strategy to the industry, and we are witnessing more competitors entering this arena, so it’s crucial that we maintain our competitive edge,” Bosworth stated.
Merger of Metaverse and AI Innovations
Bosworth portrayed Shah’s transition as a pivotal step in Meta’s overarching strategy to unite metaverse development with “personal superintelligence,” a concept aligned with CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s vision for artificial general intelligence (AGI) articulated in a statement made in July 2025. Shah described his move as both challenging and exhilarating, expressing relief that the initial excitement surrounding the metaverse has subsided. He believes that AI will represent a groundbreaking change for this generation, facilitating personalized experiences that connect the virtual and physical realms. Gabriel Aul is set to take over Shah’s previous responsibilities, leading the Metaverse Product Group, while Jason Rubin, Samantha Ryan, and Thamara Sekhar will now report to him. Additionally, Aul will manage the Horizon Experiences team, which will be led by new appointee Saxs Persson. Ryan Cairns will continue to oversee Horizon OS, which has now been upgraded to an organization-level product group directly accountable to Bosworth.
Details from Bosworth’s Memo
Bosworth’s memo provided insights into the reorganization of the Metaverse structure. He expressed his satisfaction with Shah’s new role in MSL, emphasizing his expertise will expedite the integration of personal superintelligence with the existing product portfolio. Bosworth acknowledged Shah’s leadership over the past four years has positioned the company well to pursue its vision. He confirmed that Gabriel Aul will now lead the Metaverse Product Group, with a focus on delivering high-quality experiences in both virtual reality (VR) and mobile formats. Other key team members, including Jason Rubin, Samantha Ryan, and Thamara Sekhar, will report to Aul, while Ryan Cairns will lead Horizon OS as it becomes a standalone product group reporting directly to Bosworth. The collaboration between the Metaverse and Horizon OS teams will aim to enhance product integration across Meta’s devices and platforms.
Continued Focus on the Metaverse
The commitment to metaverse initiatives remains unchanged, as it is viewed as a critical companywide focus. Bosworth reiterated the importance of maintaining the company’s competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving landscape. He noted that VR is transitioning from its gaming origins to a broader platform for entertainment and productivity, while mobile applications are increasingly attracting younger audiences. The advancements in AI tools are expected to enhance world-building capabilities and foster user engagement.
Shifting Priorities in Meta’s Strategy
Notably, Meta’s focus seems to be transitioning from a metaverse-centric approach to one more centered on AI. Shah, who has been a prominent figure in the metaverse initiative, illustrates this shift by moving into a more integral role within the company’s evolving strategy. While Meta still regards the metaverse as a pivotal aspect of future communication and interaction, the latest developments indicate a strategic emphasis on embedding AI at the core of that vision. The company has scaled back its emphasis on VR as the primary driver of the metaverse. For instance, Meta no longer invests in high-quality VR content at previous levels and is now concentrating on boosting concurrent user engagement on its Horizon Worlds app, which was made available on mobile and web platforms in late 2023.
AI’s Central Role in Future Development
For enthusiasts of VR, this redirection may seem disappointing, especially those hoping for more high-production single-player experiences. However, this pivot appears to be a logical decision for a publicly traded entity. Meta’s early successes with smart glasses, also referred to as ‘AI glasses,’ likely influenced this strategic shift. Although VR development has been expensive and slow to yield returns on substantial investments, smart glasses present a viable opportunity for Meta to engage a wider audience of everyday consumers.
AI’s Transformative Potential
Regardless of personal opinions about AI, it is poised to play a crucial role in this evolution. It’s essential to reconsider any preconceived notions about AI being merely a corporate tool for bland interactions. AI encompasses much more than that. Even with advanced input technologies like the Neural Band, which accompanies the recently launched $800 Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, there exists a significant disparity between user input and the output required from the glasses, necessitating AI’s intuitive capabilities to bridge that gap. Although engaging in complex virtual interactions may seem appealing, practical applications like quickly retrieving information or answering everyday questions are what will truly enhance user experience.
The Business Case for Smart Glasses
The prospect of integrating AI into daily life raises valid concerns about privacy and data control. However, the potential benefits, including efficiency and profitability, cannot be ignored. Interestingly, Meta has not followed the conventional path typically associated with the launch of new smart glasses, such as extensive developer outreach or app library expansions. Instead, the company seems confident that AI, paired with clearly defined use cases, is sufficient to drive initial interest. While it’s possible that an app store may eventually be developed for Meta’s smart or future augmented reality glasses, it is noteworthy that the company has achieved considerable progress without the usual groundwork typically required for launching new technology.
