Meta delays its next major AI model – but that might actually be a good sign

"Avocado" isn't ready yet

Internal reports from Meta Platforms reveal that the next generation of the company's flagship AI model – internally codenamed "Avocado" – is delayed. This is the model intended to compete with GPT-5.x and the Claude Opus 4.x series at the top performance tier.

The news came as Meta announced that its AI investments in 2026 could exceed $135 billion – a record level that underscores the delay isn't due to a lack of ambition, but perhaps the opposite.

Why the delay is a positive signal

Analysts and investors closely following Meta point out that taking the time to get Avocado right is far better than shipping a half-finished model. The Meta Llama series has been criticized for lagging behind the best closed models on key performance benchmarks.

With Llama 5 (Avocado), Meta wants to deliver something that genuinely challenges the best proprietary models – and that takes time. A delay signals the company is choosing quality over speed.

Context: Meta is spending more than anyone else

Meta is in a unique position in the AI arms race. The company:

• Acquired a 49% stake in Scale AI for ~$14.8 billion (June 2025) to secure training data
• Confirmed Broadcom as partner for custom AI chips (MTIA roadmap)
• Is investing $135 billion in AI infrastructure in 2026 alone

For enterprises relying on open-source models, the Llama series is critical. A delayed but stronger Llama 5 could mean better alternatives to costly proprietary APIs – and increased competition that drives prices down.