iPhone’s Days Numbered? Eddy Cue Thinks So
The 10-Year Countdown Starts Now
Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, Eddy Cue, made a bold forecast during a recent interview: the iPhone, Apple’s crown jewel, could become obsolete within 10 years. Citing the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, Cue suggested that the way we interact with technology is poised for a dramatic shift—moving beyond smartphones to more ambient, integrated, and possibly invisible smart systems. He noted that AI is advancing so quickly that it could usher in a future where humans no longer rely on handheld devices, instead engaging with AI experiences across a seamless web of devices and services. While specifics were scarce, the message was clear—Apple is looking far beyond its current hardware empire.
Smartphones Still Rule the Digital World
Cue’s prediction, though thought-provoking, stands in stark contrast to current consumer behavior. Smartphones remain indispensable in most people’s daily lives, and the iPhone continues to generate massive revenue for Apple. Experts question whether AI—or any emergent tech—can realistically displace such deeply entrenched user habits in just a decade. Indeed, wearables and voice assistants have made strides, but none have dethroned the smartphone. While Apple might envision a future powered by ambient AI and smart services, it will need to navigate the delicate transition of disrupting its own best-selling product without alienating its devoted customers.
