Mark Zuckerberg has consistently positioned Meta's Llama AI model as a leader in generative AI technology, but behind the scenes, the company is complementing Llama with a rival AI model to meet its internal needs. According to a report by The Fortune, Meta's internal AI-powered coding assistant, Metamate, uses both Meta's Llama model and OpenAI's GPT-4 to help developers and employees with coding tasks.

The tool, which has been operational since early 2024, dynamically switches between the two models depending on the query, according to a current and a former Meta employee who spoke anonymously to The Fortune. This hybrid approach allows Meta to leverage the strengths of multiple AI models, but it also raises questions about how far the company has come in realizing its ambition to lead the generative AI market.

Despite Zuckerberg's assertion that Llama is competitive with the most advanced models, Metamate's reliance on GPT-4 underscores the challenges of creating a one-size-fits-all solution for generative AI. As Abhivyakti Sengar, Senior Analyst at Everest Group, noted, "While Llama marks a significant step forward for open-source AI, Meta's internal reliance on GPT-4 highlights the enduring edge of proprietary models in specific high-stakes, real-world applications."

The dual reliance on Llama and OpenAI raises questions about Meta's broader AI ambitions. Zuckerberg has positioned Llama as a key player in what he calls the "model wars," touting its open-source framework as a competitive advantage. However, the integration of GPT-4 into key Meta tools suggests that Llama, while powerful, still has limitations, particularly in addressing diverse queries and providing robust support across various use cases.

Meta's hybrid approach reflects the practical realities of building tools that meet the diverse and evolving needs of employees, developers, and end users. As Vaibhav Bansal, Vice President at Everest Group, said, "The smartest product managers and founders will be those who keep egos aside to leverage the best of each model." This approach allows Meta to optimize for Metamate, but it also underscores the complexities of staying competitive in an industry defined by rapid technological advancements.

Meta's use of OpenAI's technology isn't confined to internal operations. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), the philanthropic organization led by Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan, is developing an AI tool for education, built on OpenAI's ChatGPT. This effort includes customizations for its specific needs, known in the industry as a "wrapper" around the core AI.

Notably, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman joined an AI advisory board at CZI earlier this year, signaling deeper collaboration between the two entities. Meta's reliance on a rival model like GPT-4 highlights the complexities of staying competitive in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. While Llama remains a key focus for Meta's generative AI strategy, the company's pragmatic use of other models reflects the ongoing challenges of building and deploying AI systems that meet both technical and business needs.

As Meta continues to innovate with Llama, the quiet integration of GPT-4 into its operations serves as a reminder that even industry leaders often require external support to stay ahead in the AI arms race. As Sengar noted, "It serves as a clear reminder that no single model dominates all domains, and the future of generative AI lies in a pragmatic, hybrid approach that integrates diverse best-in-class solutions."

A request for comment from Meta was not returned.