Andreessen: New Device to Replace Smartphone, Create Next Apple
The era of the smartphone, a device that has profoundly reshaped daily life, may be nearing its twilight, according to venture capitalist Marc Andreessen. As companies like Meta pour resources into next-generation gadgets, Andreessen posits that the key to becoming the next Apple lies in successfully developing the device that will ultimately replace the ubiquitous mobile phone. He suggests that technological products often become obsolete precisely when they reach a perceived “perfection,” opening the door for new, perhaps initially “broken and weird,” innovations to emerge and redefine the computing landscape.
This sentiment resonates deeply within the tech industry, where a race is underway to define the post-smartphone computing platform. Meta, under the leadership of Mark Zuckerberg, is at the forefront of this ambition, boldly pushing smartglasses powered by superintelligent AI as the smartphone’s successor. Zuckerberg envisions a future where wearable devices serve as our primary interface, utilizing sight and sound to assist users seamlessly throughout their day, ultimately aiming to build an Apple-esque ecosystem under Meta’s control. The company’s current Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses already offer hands-free photo/video capture, open-ear audio, and on-device AI assistance. Looking ahead, Meta is developing more advanced models like “Hypernova,” which are expected to feature small in-lens displays and gesture control, with consumer-grade augmented reality (AR) glasses, codenamed “Artemis,” targeted for a 2027 release. The even more sophisticated “Orion” prototype aims to deliver genuine, see-through augmented reality experiences. Meta’s Reality Labs is also exploring smartwatches and in-ear devices to further enhance hands-free control and ambient computing.
The shift away from the smartphone is driven by a recognition of its inherent limitations, such as restrictive small screens and persistent battery life concerns, coupled with a desire for more intuitive and less intrusive ways to interact with digital information. While the current smartphone design has largely converged on incremental improvements, the momentum of technological change suggests a revolutionary mobile computing experience is inevitable.
Beyond Meta, other tech giants and innovative startups are also vying for a slice of this evolving market. Amazon is reportedly acquiring a startup focused on AI wearables, signaling its intent in the space. Intriguingly, OpenAI’s Sam Altman and former Apple design maestro Jony Ive are collaborating on a new physical AI device, hinting at further disruption. Google, a veteran in the AR glasses arena with its Glass Enterprise Edition, continues to explore the technology, partnering with Qualcomm on AR hardware. Microsoft, with its HoloLens, remains a key player, particularly in enterprise-focused AR solutions. Even Apple, while defending the iPhone’s central role, has entered the fray with its Vision Pro, a “spatial computing device” that blends augmented and virtual reality. Smaller, yet innovative, companies like Xreal are also making strides with more accessible AR glasses designed to integrate with existing devices.
The underlying force propelling this transition is the exponential growth of artificial intelligence. AI-first devices are poised to reshape how users connect with the world, moving beyond traditional screens and touch interfaces. The company that successfully integrates AI with hardware to create a truly seamless and indispensable post-smartphone device stands to inherit the mantle of the next Apple, defining the next major computing platform.