For over a decade, smartphones have been the cornerstone of communication, entertainment, and productivity. But that era may be approaching its end. Tech industry leaders are increasingly forecasting a future where the smartphone becomes obsolete, replaced by next-generation technologies like smart glasses and AI-powered assistants. Companies like Meta, OpenAI, and Humane are leading the charge toward a post-smartphone future. Meanwhile, Apple—the very company that revolutionized the smartphone—appears to be taking a more measured approach.
This article explores how some of the world’s most influential tech companies are reimagining personal technology, and why Apple may not be ready to leave the iPhone behind just yet.
Meta and OpenAI Lead the Way Toward a Post-Smartphone Future
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has publicly stated that smartphones are no longer the future. In a recent interview, he predicted that smart glasses could become the dominant personal technology within the next decade. Meta has already invested heavily in augmented reality through products like the Meta Quest and Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, signaling long-term commitment to this shift.
These devices are designed to deliver immersive, always-on digital experiences—no handheld screens required. Meta envisions an intuitive interface that allows users to navigate their environments and communicate seamlessly via AR.
Meanwhile, OpenAI has partnered with renowned Apple designer Jony Ive to develop a new AI-first wearable device. While details remain limited, reports suggest the product may combine voice interaction, real-time contextual understanding, and AI processing—all while minimizing the need for screens.
A glimpse of this future is already available through the Humane AI Pin, a small, lapel-worn device that manages calls, messages, and online tasks using artificial intelligence—without a traditional display. While still in its early stages, this device exemplifies the growing shift toward screenless computing.
Apple Is Watching—But Not Rushing
Though speculation exists that Apple may eventually move beyond the iPhone, the company is proceeding cautiously. Apple executive Eddy Cue recently hinted that the iPhone may not be necessary in a decade—comparing its potential decline to that of the iPod—but the company’s actions suggest a more evolutionary path.
Rather than abandoning the smartphone, Apple is integrating AI across its ecosystem. With the rollout of iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence, the company is introducing tools like AI-generated writing suggestions, photo editing features, and a more capable Siri.
Apple is also expanding its portfolio of wearable devices, including the Apple Watch and the upcoming Vision Pro mixed reality headset. These products point toward a broader vision for the future—but one that complements, rather than replaces, the iPhone.
Market Pressures and Regional Realities
While the global smartphone market shows signs of stagnation, the shift away from smartphones is already underway. Research from IDC forecasts that smartphone shipments will grow by just 0.6% in 2025, down from a previous estimate of 2.3%. Market saturation, lower prices, and economic headwinds are contributing to declining demand.
In Africa, however, the transition to post-smartphone technology presents unique challenges. Many regions still grapple with limited infrastructure, patchy internet access, and affordability barriers. AR glasses and AI wearables may be on the horizon, but they are unlikely to become mainstream in the short term.
Still, the long-term trend is clear—and African innovators have an opportunity to lead. Just as mobile money leapfrogged traditional banking, AI-first devices tailored for local contexts could unlock new possibilities for the continent.
Conclusion: A Future in Transition
The smartphone’s dominance may not end overnight, but the transformation has begun. Global tech players are actively developing alternatives—AI pins, smart glasses, and voice-driven wearables—that signal a more intelligent and intuitive era of personal technology.
Apple’s slower, more integrated approach may offer users and ecosystems time to adapt. As the rest of the industry charges ahead with bold experiments, Apple is focused on evolving rather than replacing—a strategy that may prove more sustainable in the long run.
For now, smartphones remain our primary interface. But the search for what comes next is well underway.
