Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, recently shared an intriguing outlook during the Google Search antitrust trial. He envisages a future—perhaps within the next decade—where the iPhone could be a thing of the past, driven by fast-paced advances in artificial intelligence.
In a refreshingly candid style, Cue explained, “we’re not an oil company, we’re not toothpaste — these are things that are going to last forever … you may not need an iPhone 10 years from now.” He also recalled Apple’s decision to phase out the iPod, a bold move that, while once a major revenue driver, underscores how even established tech can be reshaped by change.
Cue sees AI as a dramatic shift in technology—a force that can unsettle giants. He likened today’s market to earlier days in Silicon Valley when names like HP, Sun Microsystems, and Intel dominated, only to later see their influence diminish.
Although smartphones continue to be central to our digital lives, efforts to replace them with AI-powered devices haven’t yet hit the mark. For example, Meta AI’s integration into Ray-Ban Meta glasses shows that the race to blend wearables and AI is still on. Rumours are also swirling that Apple might be working on its own AI-driven products, possibly tweaking the smartwatch, AirPods, or even introducing smart glasses that offer a fresh way to interact with digital services.
While the road ahead remains uncertain, Cue’s insights suggest that AI could reshape how you experience technology, opening the door to devices and interactions yet unimagined.
