Meta targets early September launch for consumer AI agent Hatch, up to $199.99/mo

Published Aug 25, 09:06 AM UTC

Meta Platforms is planning to launch a consumer AI agent called Hatch in late August or early September 2026, with a premium subscription option up to $199.99 per month. The company also targets an October release for a new AI model named Watermelon. The launch is part of CEO Mark Zuckerberg's strategy to monetize Meta's AI investments and diversify revenue away from advertising, which accounted for over 97% of Q2 revenue ($59.4 billion of $60.8 billion). Meta raised its 2026 capital expenditure floor to $130 billion, while free cash flow plummeted to $784 million from $8.55 billion a year earlier. The stock has fallen over 15% this year. Hatch will work across platforms like DoorDash, Etsy, Reddit, Yelp, and Outlook, and Meta is also preparing a WhatsApp platform for third-party AI agents. A youth-safety trial in Oakland adds further pressure on the company.