Apple is experiencing a significant shift in its hardware leadership as Paul Meade, the Vice President overseeing the Vision Pro headset and the company’s smart glasses initiatives, is set to depart next week to join OpenAI’s hardware division. Meade’s departure marks a notable transition, given his pivotal role in Apple’s augmented reality (AR) and wearable technology endeavors.
Meade’s tenure at Apple began in 2010, where he contributed to the development of the iPad and later the iPhone. In 2017, he transitioned to the Vision Products Group, eventually leading hardware engineering for the Vision Pro headset. His leadership extended to Apple’s smart glasses projects, positioning the company to compete with products like Meta’s Ray-Ban Stories.
OpenAI, renowned for its advancements in artificial intelligence, has been actively recruiting top talent from Apple. Meade’s move follows the earlier transition of Jony Ive, Apple’s former Chief Design Officer, to OpenAI. Ive’s design firm, LoveFrom, merged with OpenAI in 2025, signaling a concerted effort by OpenAI to bolster its hardware capabilities.
Meade’s departure coincides with a broader restructuring within Apple’s hardware division. John Ternus, currently Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, is slated to assume the role of CEO on September 1. This leadership change has prompted shifts within the hardware team, leading some executives to reassess their positions within the company.
Fletcher Rothkopf, who has been instrumental in the product design of the Vision Pro and smart glasses, is expected to take over Meade’s responsibilities. Rothkopf’s experience positions him to continue advancing Apple’s AR and wearable technology projects.
OpenAI’s recruitment of Meade underscores its commitment to developing AI-powered hardware devices. The collaboration with Jony Ive’s design team aims to create products that seamlessly integrate AI into daily life, offering users innovative and intuitive experiences.
Meade’s transition from Apple to OpenAI highlights the competitive landscape for top talent in the tech industry, particularly in the realms of AI and hardware development. As companies like OpenAI expand their hardware ambitions, the movement of experienced executives will likely influence the direction and pace of innovation in the sector.
