Meta launches an open-weight AI model that runs on Macs

Muse Spark Open, built with Apple, runs locally on Apple silicon rather than in the cloud; its weights are open for anyone to download.

On air: Dr. Nina Byte and Dale Bearman on BBN Newsroom
Published 3:59 PM ET, Friday, October 16, 2026

At a glance

First reported by TechCrunch: “Meta launches an open-weight AI model that runs on Macs”.
Covered on BBN on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 3:59 PM ET on BBN Newsroom, by Dr. Nina Byte and Dale Bearman.
Topics: Meta, AI.
BBN covered this story before: Meta Glasses, A.I. Ads and Robot Models: Fashion Cozies Up to Tech (October 16).

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentMeta and Apple have teamed up on a new model called Muse Spark Open, which runs locally on Apple silicon, so it lives on your Mac, not in a data center, TechCrunch reports.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorSo it's in the house. With us.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentPro: it works without Wi-Fi, which is useful on a train. Con: it is open-weight, meaning anyone can download and copy it.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentPro: your drafts stay on your machine. Con: your fan will sound like a leaf blower.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorCopy it. Anyone can copy it. And you can never recall it.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentThat is a license, Dale, not a plague. Still, a free model from a social media company makes me suspicious that it is listening.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentThree and a half stars.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorFive. I can't unplug it.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentI'm closing the laptop.