AI replacing the iPhone: Apple’s Eddy Cue Predicts an iPhone-Free Future by 2035 — How AI Could Replace the World’s Most Iconic Gadget In a bold and forward-looking statement, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, Eddy Cue, recently declared that “you may not need an iPhone 10 years from now.”
His remarks, made during a high-profile court testimony in the ongoing Google antitrust case, have sparked waves of speculation across the tech industry and beyond. Could Apple’s crown jewel, the iPhone, truly be facing obsolescence by 2035?
While it might sound like science fiction, Cue’s comments weren’t just offhand speculation — they reflect the seismic technological shift that artificial intelligence (AI) is driving across industries. As he explained in court, the rapid evolution of AI is setting the stage for the next generation of computing platforms — platforms that could redefine how we search, connect, and interact with digital content, potentially without a smartphone in hand.
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AI replacing the iPhone : Apple’s Eddy Cue Predicts an iPhone-Free Future by 2035 — How AI Could Replace the World’s Most Iconic Gadget
The Disruptive Force Reshaping Technology : AI
AI has already shown its disruptive potential. From generative AI chatbots like ChatGPT to emerging voice assistants and intelligent wearables, the tech landscape is evolving faster than ever. Cue positioned AI as the next major “technology shift” — a kind of disruption that topples long-standing incumbents and creates openings for entirely new paradigms.
“When I got to Silicon Valley, the best and most successful companies either don’t exist today or are significantly smaller,” Cue reflected. His point? Even Apple isn’t immune to the kind of disruption AI represents. Just like the iPod faded into history, the iPhone might one day become a stepping stone toward something smarter, more seamless, and far less reliant on a handheld device.
What Could Replace the iPhone?
Cue’s statements hint at a future dominated by ambient computing — where AI-powered devices are woven into our environment or worn discreetly, rather than carried. Apple’s own roadmap may already point in this direction, with the upcoming Apple Vision Pro and rumored smart glasses expected to be deeply integrated with “Apple Intelligence.”
These new platforms could deliver the same core functionalities — communication, search, media, productivity — but in formats that are far less invasive and far more intuitive than a slab of glass in your pocket.
Still, it’s worth noting that Cue was careful to frame his comment as a possibility, not a guarantee. The iPhone, after all, is still Apple’s top-selling product, responsible for over half its revenue. Its combination of premium hardware, sophisticated iOS ecosystem, and now integrated AI features continues to make it a dominant force in the smartphone market.
AI’s Dual Role: Threat to Google, Challenge for Apple
Cue’s appearance in court wasn’t just about the future of Apple — it was central to a larger battle over search dominance. As part of the Department of Justice’s remedies case against Google, Apple’s $20 billion-a-year deal with the search giant to remain Safari’s default engine came under scrutiny.
Cue argued that AI, especially generative models, could level the playing field. AI search startups, despite not yet matching Google’s performance, represent a meaningful challenge to its monopoly. By offering novel ways to access and interact with information, these AI tools might one day make traditional search engines — and by extension, even browsers — less relevant.
The Inevitable Evolution of Devices
At the heart of Cue’s testimony lies a powerful truth: no technology stays dominant forever. Just as the iPod once ruled the music world before being absorbed into the iPhone’s feature set, tomorrow’s dominant platform might render today’s smartphones unnecessary.
But this doesn’t mean the iPhone is doomed. It means Apple, and the broader tech industry, must continue to innovate — not just incrementally, but transformationally.
Cue himself acknowledged Apple’s limited bandwidth to “do everything,” but he also made it clear that the company is looking ahead. Whether through partnerships, internal development, or entirely new categories of devices, Apple is positioning itself to thrive in a world where the iPhone may no longer be the centerpiece of our digital lives.
Final Thoughts
The idea that we might not need iPhones by 2035 may sound shocking today, but it’s also a testament to how fast technology is evolving. AI is not just enhancing our current tools — it’s redefining what’s possible. For Apple, that means embracing change, even if it challenges their most iconic product. For users, it means staying open to a future where intelligence is ambient, devices are invisible, and computing is woven into every corner of our lives.
One thing is clear: the next big shift is already underway. The only question is — will you be ready for it?
FAQs
He said people may not need an iPhone 10 years from now due to advances in AI.
AI may create new platforms and devices that replace the need for traditional smartphones.
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