In a bold move signaling a shift in the tech landscape, tech giants Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, and Sam Altman have announced the end of smartphones as we know them. Each visionary is championing a different technology that aims to replace the ubiquitous device that has dominated our lives for over a decade. While these advancements promise a new era of computing, Apple CEO Tim Cook remains steadfast in his belief that the smartphone still has a significant role to play.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg envisions a future where augmented reality (AR) glasses become the primary computing device. He predicts that by 2030, these glasses will handle most tasks currently performed on smartphones, such as communication, navigation, and information access. Meta is already investing heavily in AR technology, with projects like Supernova and Hypernova aiming to bring this vision to life. The Supernova 2 model, designed for active lifestyles, and the advanced Hypernova glasses, featuring a miniature display, are steps toward a hands-free, screenless future.
Elon Musk, through his company Neuralink, is developing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that allow users to interact with technology using only their thoughts. Two human subjects have already received implants, demonstrating the feasibility of this technology. Musk envisions a world where physical devices are unnecessary, and digital interactions occur directly through neural interfaces.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is collaborating with former Apple designer Jony Ive to create an AI-powered device that could replace smartphones. This device aims to integrate artificial intelligence seamlessly into daily life, offering a more intuitive and natural user experience. Altman describes the project as potentially "the biggest evolution in tech devices since the iPhone," highlighting its transformative potential.
In contrast to his peers, Apple CEO Tim Cook believes that smartphones are far from obsolete. Apple continues to innovate within the smartphone space, as evidenced by the release of the iPhone 16, which incorporates advanced artificial intelligence features to enhance user experience. Cook emphasizes the importance of refining existing technologies and believes that smartphones will continue to play a central role in daily life for the foreseeable future.
Reference:
1. Dubois, Juliette. “Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, and Sam Altman Announce the End of Smartphones — But Tim Cook Isn’t Playing Along.” The Daily Galaxy, May 30, 2025. https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/05/mark-zuckerberg-elon-musk-and-sam-altman-announce-the-end-of-smartphones-but-tim-cook-isnt-playing-along/.
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