Meta unveils Muse Spark 1.1 and Iris AI chip

Meta launched Muse Spark 1.1, a paid AI model rivaling GPT-5.5, via its API with $20 credits for new users. The shift from open-source coincides with Meta's new Iris AI chip plans.

Meta has introduced Muse Spark 1.1, its first paid, proprietary AI developer model, signaling a departure from its previous open-source approach. Muse Spark 1.1 is designed as a competitive agentic and programming model, with agent evaluation performance on par with GPT-5.5 and Opus-4.8. The model is accessible through the new Meta Model API and the Meta AI platform. U.S. developers can access it in public preview and integrate it into their coding environments, with each new API account receiving a $20 credit. Muse Spark 1.1 offers advanced coding features, bug detection and repair, agentic workflows across multiple apps, and native multimodal perception, enabling it to process images, videos, and documents. Meta is also progressing with its internal AI chip, Iris, set to begin production in September. This aims to lower computing costs and reduce reliance on external suppliers. The launch of Muse Spark 1.1 and the Iris chip has positively influenced Meta's stock, though scaling risks remain. This move marks a strategic shift to a paid AI model, potentially shaping industry monetization trends.