{
  "id": 19493092,
  "title": "The smartphone isn’t dead. But the battle to replace it is already on",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/the-smartphone-isnt-dead-but-the-battle-to-replace-it-is-already-on",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-11T11:06:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Fast Company",
    "slug": "fast-company",
    "url": "https://www.fastcompany.com/91633088/the-smartphone-isnt-dead-but-the-battle-to-replace-it-is-already-on-technology-smartphone-leadership"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The smartphone has transformed the world, but some tech leaders suggest artificial intelligence could challenge its dominance. This debate about what comes after the smartphone isn't just about device sales; it's about who controls the customer gateway and gets a share of their spending. Amazon has already blocked Meta's AI assistant, Muse, from selling on its e-commerce platform. Tech giants are already competing to get between businesses and their customers. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has even questioned the smartphone's future, arguing that these devices are not ideal for artificial intelligence.\n\nDespite the growing concerns, the smartphone isn't likely to disappear anytime soon. Apple's iPhone generated $54.3 billion in sales in the three months to June 2026, a 22% increase compared to the previous year. Sales also rose 15%, according to IDC estimates. The smartphone's grip on how we access the digital world might be challenged by emerging technologies like smart glasses, but they face issues like added weight, limited battery life, and a \"dorky\" appearance. Smart glasses sales are forecast at 15 million this year, a fraction of the more than a billion smartphones.\n\nCompanies like Apple are also developing their own AI-powered devices. Apple's AirPods, for example, now allow users to have chatbot-style conversations with Siri and may soon have cameras for visual input. Meta is planning to launch the stand-alone device Muse Charm, a keychain-size gadget with a screen and voice controls for accessing Meta's AI assistant. Meanwhile, Amazon has upgraded Alexa with AI, enabling natural conversations and tasks like booking restaurants. Google's AI-powered search summaries reach over 2.5 billion people monthly, and Android powers more than 3 billion devices worldwide.\n\nThe race to control the next digital interface will happen on three fronts: hardware, distribution, and intelligence. Apple holds a strong position in hardware due to its vast cash reserves and engineering expertise, while Amazon and Google are major players in distribution. Meta could become a powerful middleman in controlling AI-powered transactions. Tech giants like OpenAI are also developing AI-powered hardware, potentially bypassing other companies as the distribution channel. Whoever secures the next interface first is likely to reap significant commercial rewards, given the commoditization of AI models. Companies must prepare for these changes to maintain customer relationships and avoid losing control of how customers interact with their products.",
  "summary": "The smartphone changed the world, but listening to some tech bosses lately, you’d be forgiven for thinking AI could threaten its dominance. The emerging debate about what comes after the smartphone is about much more than device sales. It’s about who controls the gateway to the customer, and who gets a cut of the money they spend. And that battle has already begun. Amazon has blocked Meta’s AI…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}