Meta has officially rolled out the highly anticipated Llama 4 series—its most advanced suite of open-source AI models to date. The launch introduces three powerful variants: Llama 4 Scout, Llama 4 Maverick, and Llama 4 Behemoth. These models are designed to push the boundaries of AI capability while promoting broader access to cutting-edge technology in the open-source community.
The new models leverage a Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) architecture, an approach that routes different tasks through specialized segments of the AI model. This structure enables higher efficiency and performance without dramatically increasing computational load. It’s a strategic move by Meta to keep pace with competitors while maintaining a focus on scalability and flexibility.
Among the three, Llama 4 Maverick stands out as the flagship general-purpose AI assistant. It has reportedly surpassed earlier AI benchmarks and outperformed models like GPT-4o and Gemini 2.0 in multiple tasks. However, it's still catching up to the ultra-premium models such as GPT-4.5 and Gemini 2.5 Pro in terms of raw intelligence and capabilities.
Both Scout and Maverick are currently available for public download via Meta’s official channels and other open-source distribution platforms. These models are free to use and can be integrated into various applications. However, the models are not accessible to users and companies within the European Union. This exclusion stems from ongoing concerns over strict EU regulations around AI technologies. Meta has cited that such regulations may restrict innovation and hinder progress in the field.
The release of the Llama 4 family signals Meta’s continued ambition to lead in the generative AI race. By open-sourcing these advanced tools, the company aims to foster greater collaboration in the global developer community while ensuring that AI advancements remain transparent, ethical, and widely available. As the tech world increasingly shifts toward AI-driven innovation, Meta's latest move reinforces its strategic focus on accessible intelligence at scale.