Meta Platforms (META) has had a troublesome 2025 as it pushes toward its ambitious AI goals. The company’s upcoming Avocado AI model has reportedly been delayed until early 2026. The setback comes amid leadership shake-ups and growing internal pressure, raising fresh questions about Meta’s AI roadmap.
TipRanks Cyber Monday Sale
- Claim 60% off TipRanks Premium for data-backed insights and research tools you need to invest with confidence.
- Subscribe to TipRanks' Smart Investor Picks and see our data in action through our high-performing model portfolio - now also 60% off
For investors, the delay of Meta’s Avocado AI model highlights internal challenges but doesn’t alter its long-term AI prospects. Despite a shifting strategy and some uncertainty, Meta’s scale and resources give it a strong advantage — though execution will be key in 2026. Year-to-date, META stock has gained over 12%.
Meta’s AI Push Hits Roadblock
According to CNBC, Meta is developing a new Llama successor and advanced frontier AI model, internally codenamed “Avocado.” Last year, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed strong optimism about the company’s Llama family of AI models. However, the company is moving from open-source development with its Llama models to a proprietary approach for its new Avocado model. This shift comes after Llama 4’s underwhelming launch in April, which failed to impress developers and led to significant internal changes, according to sources.
Sources further stated that Meta had expected the Avocado model to launch before the end of this year, but the timeline has slipped to the first quarter of 2026. The report says Avocado is running into training and performance-testing issues. Meta, however, denies any delays.
Should Investors Be Worried?
The delay of Meta’s Avocado AI model shows the company is facing some internal challenges, but it doesn’t change its long-term position in AI. For long-term investors, this is more of a short-term setback than a serious warning. Meta’s AI strategy has changed a lot this year, and as 2025 ends, it still looks somewhat unsettled. Still, Meta’s size, resources, and focus on AI give it a big advantage, but execution will matter more than ever in 2026.
Additionally, Meta has been working hard to strengthen its position in the AI race. The company’s Avocado model is expected to be a key move in challenging OpenAI’s (PC:OPAIQ) ChatGPT and Google’s (GOOGL) Gemini. For the company, this isn’t just another AI upgrade—it’s a strategic reset aimed at reclaiming relevance in the AI race.
Earlier this year, Zuckerberg created a new group called Meta Superintelligence Labs (MSL) to speed up progress. He also brought in top researchers from OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic to move faster toward building superintelligent AI.
Is META Stock a Good Buy Now?
Turning to Wall Street, Meta’s shares have a Strong Buy consensus rating on TipRanks. This is based on 36 Buys, six Holds, and one Sell assigned by Wall Street analysts over the last three months. Furthermore, the average META price target of $832.06 indicates a 27% growth potential from its current price.
