Key points
- Meta has stopped using fruit names for its internal AI model codenames.
- The latest model in the fruit series was named Watermelon.
- The change reflects a desire for names that suit the company's AI goals.
Meta has internally decided to discontinue the use of fruit-based codenames for its artificial intelligence models, according to a report by Business Insider.reported The decision marks a shift in how the social media giant labels its internal development projects.Meta is changing how it names its secret AI projects, moving away from fruit names like Watermelon.Meta’s internal AI project codenames are shifting from fruit-based themes to an unspecified new convention.
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
What it does
The change affects the naming convention used for Meta’s AI models during development. Previously, the company assigned fruit names to these models. The most recent model to receive such a designation was called Watermelon. This internal labeling practice is distinct from public product names.
How to get it
This is an internal policy change regarding codenames, not a public product release. There is no software update, API change or new tool for developers to access. The shift is reported as a decision made within Meta’s engineering or product teams.reported
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
Limits
The source material does not specify which teams or projects are affected beyond the general AI model development pipeline. It is unclear if existing codebases using the old codenames will be renamed or if the change applies only to future projects.
The takeaway
Meta views its previous naming strategy as misaligned with its current ambitions in artificial intelligence. The company decided the fruit names did not suit its lofty AI ambitions. This suggests a cultural or branding shift within the organization.
Building on this
Data science teams tracking Meta’s AI progress should note that internal codenames are not public APIs or models. Developers cannot build on "Watermelon" or future unnamed models directly. The lack of a new naming convention means external observers must rely on public model releases rather than internal leaks to track development stages. Uncertainty remains about what new naming scheme, if any, will replace the fruit theme.
Why it matters
- Internal codename changes can signal shifts in product strategy or prioritization for AI teams.
- Reliance on leaked codenames for tracking development is now less predictable for industry analysts.
- The departure from a recognizable theme may make it harder to correlate internal rumors with public releases.
- Meta’s stated reason for the change is that fruit names did not suit its lofty AI ambitions.
Topics: Meta, AI models, naming conventions, internal development, Watermelon
Updated
Then / now / next
Meta used fruit names like Watermelon as internal codenames for its AI models.
The company has decided to stop using fruit-based codenames for these projects.
It is unclear what naming convention Meta will adopt for future AI model development.
Story timeline
- Then Meta used fruit names like Watermelon as internal codenames for its AI models.
- 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 decided to stop using fruit-based codenames for these projects.
- Next It is unclear what naming convention Meta will adopt for future AI model development.
Ask the article
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Your choice stays on this device. No public tally.Questions readers ask
Why did Meta stop using fruit names for AI models?
Meta decided the fruit theme did not suit its lofty artificial intelligence ambitions, according to the published report
What was the last fruit-named model?
The latest model in the series was named Watermelon.
Will developers see new fruit names?
No, Meta has decided to stop using fruit codenames for its AI models.
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Reading receipt
- Meta has stopped using fruit names for its internal AI model codenames.
- The latest model in the fruit series was named Watermelon.
- The change reflects a desire for names that suit the company's AI goals.
Still open: What new naming convention will Meta use for its AI models?
Still open: Will existing internal references to fruit-named models be updated?