Apple’s Eddy Cue Predicts AI Could Replace iPhones Within a Decade

Apple’s senior vice president of services, Eddy Cue, recently shared a striking forecast about the future of the iPhone. Speaking at the Google Search antitrust remedies trial, Cue suggested that artificial intelligence (AI) could render the iPhone obsolete within the next ten years, much like how the iPod, once Apple’s “golden goose,” was phased out.

Cue emphasized that AI represents a “huge technological shift” capable of reshaping the entire tech industry and opening doors for new entrants. He noted that unlike traditional products such as oil or toothpaste, tech products are vulnerable to disruption. Reflecting on Silicon Valley’s history, Cue pointed out that many once-dominant companies like HP, Sun Microsystems, and Intel have either vanished or diminished significantly due to technological evolution.

Apple’s bold decision to retire the iPod serves as a precedent for how the company might approach the iPhone’s future. Cue described killing the iPod as a strategic move, questioning “Why would you kill the golden goose?” This candid acknowledgment underscores Apple’s readiness to embrace transformative change, even at the expense of its most lucrative products.

Current attempts to replace smartphones with AI-centric gadgets have yet to succeed. For example, Meta’s AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses aim to provide AI assistance independent of smartphones but have not yet achieved mainstream adoption. Apple is reportedly developing similar AI-enabled devices, including smartwatches, next-generation AirPods, and smart glasses, which could serve as new interfaces for AI-driven experiences.

The broader significance of Cue’s remarks lies in the recognition that AI is not just an incremental improvement but a disruptive force with the power to redefine how people interact with technology. For developers, businesses, and tech leaders, this signals a critical need to innovate beyond traditional hardware and explore AI-driven platforms and devices that could shape the next decade of consumer tech.

As AI continues to evolve, companies must anticipate shifts in user behavior and device preferences. Apple’s strategic pivot away from the iPod and potentially the iPhone illustrates the importance of embracing change proactively rather than clinging to legacy products. This mindset will be essential for sustaining relevance in a rapidly transforming tech ecosystem.