Qualcomm CEO Predicts AI Wearables Will Replace Smartphones
Natalie PaceFinancial wellness advocate and author focusing on eco-investing and protecting one's finances.
The era of smartphones may be drawing to a close, as major artificial intelligence firms are reportedly channeling their efforts into developing cutting-edge wearable technologies. These new devices, powered by advanced AI agents, are set to revolutionize how we interact with technology, moving computing beyond the confines of the traditional smartphone.
Qualcomm's Chief Executive Officer, Cristiano Amon, indicated that his company is engaged in various confidential hardware collaborations with prominent AI entities, including OpenAI and Meta Platforms Inc. These partnerships are geared towards a future where wearable technology takes center stage, fundamentally altering the landscape of personal computing. Amon hinted at innovative form factors that remain under wraps, emphasizing the widespread involvement of key players in the AI industry.
Amon envisions a future where personal technology revolves around what he terms an "ecosystem of you." In this model, devices such as smart glasses, earbuds, and specialized pins will constantly gather contextual information from users. This rich stream of data will empower AI agents to autonomously perform a multitude of tasks. He explained that AI's ability to comprehend our verbal and visual cues will be crucial for these agents to effectively act on our behalf.
The CEO highlighted the potential for automating everyday functions, such as settling bills, rearranging appointments, or conducting real-time price comparisons. Amon marked 2025 as a pivotal year for AI agents, projecting their widespread integration into daily life by the years 2027 or 2028. This shift signifies a profound transformation in how technology assists and anticipates user needs.
The impact of AI agents is already being felt across the tech industry. Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, has reportedly been working on personal AI agents and enhancing internal AI tools to boost efficiency. Similarly, Andrej Karpathy noted that AI agents now handle a significant portion of his coding responsibilities, underscoring the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence in software development and various other sectors.
The technological landscape is on the cusp of a major transformation, as advancements in artificial intelligence are paving the way for a new generation of wearable devices. These intelligent wearables, designed to anticipate and fulfill user needs, are expected to redefine personal computing, potentially rendering traditional smartphones obsolete in the coming years.

