Why Do Tech Giants Envision Future Beyond Smartphones?

[charlesrich]

I keep seeing articles where tech giants envision future beyond smartphones. What technologies are they focusing on next, and does this mean smartphones will become less important?

 

[megamind]

I’ve been noticing this trend too. It seems like companies aren’t just looking at incremental upgrades to smartphones anymore they’re talking about whole new categories. Everything from AR glasses to AI assistants that live everywhere. But does this mean phones will suddenly disappear? I don’t think so. More like they’ll become one of many connected devices.

 

[AnnP111966]

Smartphones aren’t going away they are the most versatile personal computing device humans have. But tech giants are clearly investing in AI platforms, augmented reality (AR), and wearables that could eventually reduce our dependence on traditional screens. The keyword here is ecosystem, not replacement.

 

[Emmawoods]

Totally! Look at Meta pushing AR/VR, Apple with Vision Pro, Google with Project Iris rumors, and even Microsoft with Mesh and HoloLens. This idea of “future beyond smartphones” is basically about computing interfaces that are more immersive and contextual, not just slab screens in our pockets.

But let’s be real those AR glasses are still clunky and expensive.

 

[TaylorTravels]

I think part of it is practical smartphones are reaching a plateau in terms of performance and innovation. A new CPU every year doesn’t excite people like it used to. So companies pivot to new narratives: AI everywhere, spatial computing, smart environments.

Still, for many people, smartphones will remain the primary daily device for at least a decade.

 

[captainghost]

I’m skeptical. Tech giants say they’re focused on the future beyond smartphones, but a lot of this feels like marketing. Where’s the real user demand for AR glasses? Sure, people might want AI assistants and wearable health tech, but until it’s affordable and actually useful, phones are the default.

 

[ethancarter]

From a tech standpoint, the focus seems to be on three pillars:

1. Ubiquitous AI (AI that works across devices and environments)
2. AR/VR/XR interfaces
3. Ambient computing (smart environments that know context)

If these pans out, the whole idea of “a device first” might change but phones are likely to stick around as one of many interfaces.

 

[jimmy]

Remember when people predicted the death of desktops after smartphones took off? That didn’t happen they just became specialized. I think “future beyond smartphones” is kind of the same. Phones won’t vanish they’ll just have more competition from other device types.

 

[rebeccareed]

AI is the real deal here. Once personal assistants powered by massive LLMs are seamlessly embedded in glasses, watches, cars, and home devices, we might not touch a smartphone as often. Instead of opening an app, you just ask your assistant voice, gestures, whatever.

That’s a shift, but not a disappearance.

 

[AngieMacal]

As someone who uses their phone for EVERYTHING social, camera, banking, navigation I honestly can’t imagine life without it yet. Sure, I’d love lightweight AR glasses for directions or translations, but they wouldn’t fully replace my phone for another five to ten years, minimum.

 

[Lisa]

Here’s another angle market saturation. Smartphone growth has flattened in many regions. So tech giants need new growth engines. That’s why we hear so much about AR/VR, AI platforms, health wearables, connected cars, smart homes, even robotics.

This doesn’t mean phones are dead it means companies are diversifying because smartphone-driven growth is slowing.