On this page
Mark Zuckerberg Says Smartphones Are Dying: What Comes Next?
For years, smartphones have been the centre of our digital lives, but according to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, their time is coming to an end. In a recent announcement, Zuckerberg predicted that within the next decade, smartphones will be replaced by smart glasses, offering a more seamless and hands-free way to connect with the digital world.
The quick verdict
Mark Zuckerberg predicts smart glasses will replace smartphones within the next decade, but that shift, if it happens, is likely to be gradual. Smart glasses still face hurdles over battery life, privacy, social acceptance and cost. For now, smartphones remain the dominant technology, so there is no reason to stop relying on yours just yet.
Smart glasses vs smartphones at a glance
| Detail | What we know |
|---|---|
| Prediction | Smart glasses to replace smartphones within a decade |
| Meta's project | Meta Orion, unveiled at Meta Connect 2024 |
| Promised features | Holographic lenses, AI voice control, hands-free calls |
| Existing product | AI smart glasses made with Ray-Ban |
| Main hurdles | Battery life, privacy, social acceptance and cost |
| Smartphones today | Still the dominant technology |
This is a prediction, and the article says the shift may be gradual.
So, is this the beginning of the end for mobile phones? Let’s explore what Zuckerberg envisions and what this means for the future of communication.
Meta’s Vision: Smart Glasses as the Future
Meta has been investing heavily in augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI), developing smart glasses that aim to replace the need for traditional mobile phones. The Meta Orion project, unveiled at the Meta Connect 2024 event, promises to deliver:
- Holographic displays projected directly onto the lenses
- Voice and AI-powered interaction without the need for screens
- Seamless access to messaging, navigation, and calls without using your hands
In collaboration with Ray-Ban, Meta has already introduced smart glasses with AI capabilities, and future iterations are expected to push the boundaries even further.
Why Move Away from Smartphones?
The shift from smartphones to smart glasses is being driven by several factors:
- People are looking for ways to reduce screen time and avoid digital distractions.
- AI advancements make voice-controlled assistants more reliable and useful.
- Augmented reality is expected to offer a more immersive experience than handheld screens.
- Smart glasses provide convenience, allowing users to interact with technology without holding a device.
According to Zuckerberg, the goal is to create a digital assistant that is integrated into your daily life without the need to constantly check a screen.
Challenges Facing Smart Glasses
While the idea of replacing smartphones sounds futuristic, there are still major challenges that smart glasses need to overcome:
- Battery Life: Packing high-powered AR and AI technology into a small form factor without draining the battery too quickly.
- Privacy Concerns: Smart glasses with cameras and facial recognition could raise security and privacy issues.
- Social Acceptance: Wearing smart glasses in public may take time for people to get used to.
- Cost: Early models of smart glasses could be expensive, limiting widespread adoption.
Despite these challenges, Meta and other tech giants like Apple and Google are pushing forward, investing in AR and AI-powered devices.
What Happens to Smartphones?
If Zuckerberg’s prediction is correct, smartphones may not disappear overnight, but we could see a gradual shift away from them. Just as landlines gave way to mobile phones, we may one day rely on smart glasses or other wearable devices for our digital interactions.
However, until that day comes, smartphones remain the dominant technology, and people will still need reliable devices for work, communication, and entertainment.
Sell Your Old Phone for the Best Price
If you’re thinking about upgrading or preparing for the next generation of wearable tech, now is a great time to sell your old phone. Using a sell phone comparison tool allows you to compare trade-in offers and get the highest price.
If you're selling an iPhone, check out sell my iPhone for dedicated trade-in options.
Whether or not smartphones will disappear in the next decade remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that technology is evolving fast. If you’re planning to upgrade, don’t forget to sell your phone to get the best value before making the switch.
Frequently asked questions
Does Mark Zuckerberg think smartphones are dying?
Yes. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg predicted that within the next decade smartphones will be replaced by smart glasses, offering a more seamless, hands-free way to connect with the digital world.
What is Meta Orion?
Meta Orion is Meta's smart glasses project, unveiled at the Meta Connect 2024 event. It promises holographic displays on the lenses, voice and AI-powered interaction without screens, and hands-free messaging, navigation and calls.
Why would people switch from smartphones to smart glasses?
People want to reduce screen time and digital distractions, AI voice assistants are becoming more reliable, augmented reality promises a more immersive experience, and smart glasses let you use technology without holding a device.
What are the problems with smart glasses?
Smart glasses face challenges with battery life, privacy concerns over cameras and facial recognition, social acceptance of wearing them in public, and the high cost of early models.
Will smartphones disappear soon?
Smartphones are unlikely to disappear overnight. Even if Zuckerberg is right, there could be a gradual shift away from them, and for now smartphones remain the dominant technology for work, communication and entertainment.
