The iPhone may no longer be Apple’s centerpiece a decade from now. According to Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, advancements in artificial intelligence could dramatically reshape how we interact with technology, making smartphones obsolete in the process.
AI: A New Technological Turning Point
Cue made the bold statement while testifying at the U.S. Department of Justice’s antitrust trial against Google. “You may not need an iPhone 10 years from now, as crazy as it sounds,” he said, pointing out how technological shifts—like the rise of AI—create room for new products and competitors to emerge.
Artificial intelligence is already transforming the tech landscape, from smart assistants to AI-powered cameras and predictive tools. Cue believes that AI could soon give rise to entirely new categories of devices that do not rely on screens or traditional smartphone interfaces.
The Rise of AI-Driven Wearables
Apple is reportedly investing heavily in wearables and augmented reality, including the development of smart glasses. These efforts align with Cue’s vision of a future where AI-powered gadgets, rather than smartphones, dominate consumer tech. The company’s diversification strategy indicates a clear intention to be ready for what might follow the iPhone.
iPhone Still Dominates—for Now
Despite these futuristic ambitions, the iPhone remains Apple’s most profitable product, especially in high-growth markets like India. While Apple’s recent ventures such as the Vision Pro headset and experimental screen-free AI gadgets have had mixed success, the company continues to innovate around the iPhone with rumored foldable and all-screen models in the pipeline.
A Post-iPhone Era? Not Yet, But It’s Coming
Although the timeline is uncertain, Apple is actively preparing for a world beyond the iPhone. Cue’s comments underscore the company’s awareness of rapid AI evolution and its potential to reshape consumer electronics as we know them. The iPhone may still be king, but Apple is already planning for the next technological revolution.
