Pei predicts the decline of smartphone applications in favor of AI assistants taking over mobile devices. When you make a purchase using links on our website, we may earn a commission from affiliates. Smartphone apps have been influential over the past ten years, but Carl Pei believes their era is coming to an end. As the CEO of Nothing, he not only foresees this change but is also staking his company’s future on it.

During SXSW 2026 in Austin, Pei discussed a significant transformation where he mentioned that the app-based smartphone experience is on its way out, soon to be replaced by AI agents that manage tasks on your behalf. Instead of navigating through apps and icons, users will simply voice their requests, leaving the system to handle the rest.

Pei highlights the overwhelming nature of numerous apps on modern smartphones, each with its unique interface and requirements for login and usage. He notes that despite advancements in AI technology behind the scenes, touchscreen interactions and app grids remain predominant methods of interaction.

In Pei’s vision, users would communicate their needs to the phone directly, with an AI assistant executing tasks accordingly. For instance, rather than manually booking a ride through an app, users could simply say, “Get me a ride home,” and the AI would take care of all arrangements seamlessly.

This transition represents a shift from focusing on apps to focusing on user intent in computing, where outcomes are prioritized over interfaces. Although early versions of AI assistants are capable of performing tasks within apps currently, Pei envisions a future where AI controls the entire user experience independently.

Implementing this vision would necessitate rethinking the traditional smartphone interface by eliminating home screens cluttered with icons and conventional app stores. Instead, a unified intelligent system would streamline services and task management efficiently.

While the integration of AI into smartphones may bring about enhanced automation and user experiences, it will be a gradual process due to the deep-rooted presence of apps in the market. However, as AI assistants become more reliable, users may find it increasingly convenient to bypass traditional apps altogether.

The allure of having one’s phone manage tasks seamlessly without juggling multiple apps is evident. However, entrusting AI with decision-making authority raises concerns regarding privacy, data security, and user control. The transition away from apps may simplify interactions but could potentially compromise transparency and autonomy for users.