Meta drops fruit codenames for AI models, ends Watermelon era
Meta internally decided to stop naming AI models after fruit, deeming the practice unfit for its ambitions, according to a Business Insider report.
Key points
- Meta’s latest AI model was named Watermelon before the naming shift.
- The company internally decided to end the fruit-based naming convention.
- Business Insider reported the decision citing a source familiar with the matter.
Business Insider reported that Meta has internally decided to stop using fruit names for its artificial intelligence models.reported The outlet cited a person familiar with the matter for this information.Meta is no longer using fruit names for its AI models, ending a practice that included Watermelon.Business Insider reported Meta internally halted fruit-based AI model codenames, citing misalignment with ambitions. The social media giant’s most recent model carried the codename Watermelon. This specific model serves as the endpoint for the fruit-based naming tradition at the company. The decision marks a clear break from previous internal branding practices for its AI development efforts.
Evidence: reported
Source: Meta has decided to stop using fruit for its AI model codenames, as they didn't suit its lofty AI ambitions; its latest model was named "Watermelon" (Charles Rollet/Business Insider)aifleet-techmeme
The announcement
The report states that Meta made this decision internally. Business Insider relayed the details through a source who was familiar with the internal discussions. The outlet identified Watermelon as the latest model released under the old naming scheme. No public statement from Meta executives confirmed the change in the reporting. The information rests on the account of the source cited by Business Insider regarding the internal shift.
The context
The source told Business Insider that the fruit names did not suit Meta’s lofty AI ambitions. This rationale suggests a desire to align model identities with a different perception of the technology. The previous naming convention included various fruits, culminating in Watermelon. The shift occurs as Meta continues to develop and release new AI models. The specific reason given relates to the fit between the names and the company’s goals.
Reading between the lines
The change indicates that Meta views its AI work as distinct from its previous branding approach. Abandoning the fruit theme may signal a move toward more serious or technical identifiers. The source’s comment about lofty ambitions implies the old names were seen as inadequate. This internal rebranding effort affects how new models might be labeled going forward. It reflects a deliberate choice to change the narrative around its AI products.
The business case
The source material does not provide evidence regarding cost, market position, or vendor choice implications for this naming change. Business Insider’s report focuses solely on the internal decision and the rationale behind it. There is no data in the source about financial impact or competitive positioning. Architects and vendors cannot derive business case insights from this specific report alone. The available facts are limited to the naming convention change itself.
Why it matters
- Meta’s internal naming shift signals a change in how it frames its AI ambitions, per Business Insider.
- The end of fruit codenames may indicate a move toward different branding strategies for future models.
- Understanding the rationale helps track how Meta internally perceives the scale of its AI efforts.
- The report provides a snapshot of internal cultural changes at the social media giant regarding AI.
Topics: AI models, Meta, branding, naming conventions
Updated
Then / now / next
Meta used fruit names like Watermelon for its AI model codenames.
The company has internally decided to stop using fruit names for these models.
It remains unclear what new naming convention Meta will adopt for future AI models.
Story timeline
- Then Meta used fruit names like Watermelon for its AI model codenames.
- 05 Nov 2026 Source: Meta has decided to stop using fruit for its AI model codenames, as they didn't suit its lofty AI ambitions; its latest model was named "Watermelon" (Charles Rollet/Business Insider)
- Now The company has internally decided to stop using fruit names for these models.
- Next It remains unclear what new naming convention Meta will adopt for future AI models.
The strongest doubt
Counterpoint from the sources
The source material does not offer any opposing viewpoint or doubt regarding the reported decision.
For readers
Developers
- Meta is ending fruit-based codenames for its AI models, per Business Insider.
Business
- The change is internal and linked to aligning names with company ambitions, not market data.
Researchers
- The rationale provided is that old names did not suit lofty AI ambitions.
Ask the article
Local keyword search of this article; no generated answers.Did this article give you the evidence you needed?
Your choice stays on this device. No public tally.Terms in this story
Codename
A temporary or internal name given to a project or product during development.
Watermelon
The fruit name used for Meta’s latest AI model before the naming change.
Business Insider
The news outlet that reported on Meta’s internal decision regarding model names.
Questions readers ask
Why did Meta stop using fruit names for AI models?
A source told Business Insider that the names did not suit the company’s lofty AI ambitions.
What was the last AI model named after a fruit?
The latest model before the decision was named Watermelon, according to the report.
Did Meta publicly announce this change?
No, Business Insider reported that the decision was made internally and cited a source.
Connected stories
Reading receipt
- Meta’s latest AI model was named Watermelon before the naming shift.
- The company internally decided to end the fruit-based naming convention.
- Business Insider reported the decision citing a source familiar with the matter.
Still open: What new naming convention will Meta use for its next generation of AI models?
Still open: How will this internal branding change affect external communication about Meta’s AI?