Apple's head of services, Eddy Cue, suggested in testimony at the Google antitrust remedies trial on May 7 that users may not need an iPhone by 2035, pointing towards the rising influence of AI. This comment sparks the debate whether smartphones, particularly iPhones, will remain essential as technology advances, considering their current ubiquitous use in daily activities like payments and music streaming.

Cue's statement recognizes that the surge in AI development could force even major tech companies like Apple to adapt to unforeseen changes. While the iPhone remains Apple’s iconic product, both it and the broader smartphone industry are still relatively young compared to more established industries. The upcoming iPhone 17, marking 18 years of the iPhone, coupled with Apple's own AI suite, Apple Intelligence, suggests a potential shift where software takes precedence over hardware.

Some device makers have already experimented with AI-first gadgets, though with limited success, like the Rabbit R1 AI companion. The iPhone 16 introduced hardware improvements such as the Camera Control button and an increase to 8GB of RAM. However, Apple Intelligence isn't tied to annual release cycles, allowing for more flexible software updates. Apple already generates about a fifth of its revenue from services, and while Apple Intelligence is currently free, future premium tiers or charges for existing features are possible.

Although the complete disappearance of iPhones by 2035 seems unlikely, a realistic outcome involves hardware releases primarily supporting software developments and AI services. The era of the iPhone continues for now. It’s worth noting that Sony is planning to launch its first ‘Alpha’ camera phone soon, and Google Maps now scans iPhone screenshots to save forgotten places, raising privacy concerns. The Samsung Galaxy tri-fold may share features with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, indicating further evolution in mobile technology.