Tech giants such as Apple, OpenAI, Samsung, and Google are paving the way for the next era of smartphones, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Experts predict that within the next few years, smartphones will become more intuitive, helpful, and user-friendly, liberating users from being constantly immersed in their screens.
Apple recently unveiled its iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, which are touted as the first iPhones built for the company’s new AI system, Apple Intelligence. These devices feature a dedicated camera button and a visual intelligence mode powered by AI, allowing users to learn about their surroundings simply by pointing their phones and pressing a button.
This is just the beginning of the smartphone’s evolution. Futurist Amy Webb describes the current stage as a “Cambrian explosion of devices and sensors,” with numerous new devices, patents, and funding rounds focused on screenless technology. While smartphones may retain their traditional form factor for now, they are expected to become more adept at providing information when needed, reducing the need for app-switching and menu-digging.
Voice interaction and visual recognition are key areas of development. Virtual assistants, powered by generative AI, are becoming more conversational and capable of understanding natural language. Companies like Apple, OpenAI, and Google are exploring features that allow smartphones to “see” and interpret their surroundings through the camera. For instance, Apple’s visual intelligence feature enables users to scan objects, find information, and perform actions without opening specific apps.
The integration of AI into smartphones aims to make them more intelligent and user-friendly. Apple Intelligence, for example, will enhance Siri’s capabilities, enabling it to act as a personal IT department and copilot, while also improving contextual understanding. Similarly, Samsung’s executive vice president, Patrick Chomet, envisions a future where users never have to navigate the settings menu, as the device’s intelligence and context will support their desired actions.
The smartphone’s evolution goes beyond AI assistants. Startups like Brain.ai and Rabbit are developing software and devices that assemble interfaces based on specific tasks, reducing the need for app-switching. These advancements aim to make smartphones more efficient and less reliant on manual interaction.
While the smartphone market has become commoditized, AI-powered advancements offer a fresh perspective. By leveraging AI, smartphones are poised to become more than just communication devices, transforming into intuitive and proactive companions that anticipate users’ needs.