Bold words from Nothing CEO: Applications may become unnecessary

Nothing co-founder and CEO Carl Pei has laid out a remarkable vision for the future of smartphones. Speaking at the SXSW conference, Pei stated that the current mobile experience is on the verge of a radical transformation. According to him, today’s application-based ecosystem will be replaced by artificial intelligence agents in the long run. This approach means a system where users express their intentions rather than navigating between applications, and the rest of the process is managed automatically. However, Pei emphasized that this change will not occur in the short term, but the direction is clear.

Pei’s evaluations also coincide with the “AI-first”, that is, artificial intelligence-focused device approach that Nothing has highlighted in recent years. A similar vision was conveyed to investors in the $200 million investment tour that the company completed in 2024. This vision is based on a more reliable and personalized experience where users do not need to constantly check the results produced by artificial intelligence. Despite this, it seems that current mobile usage habits are not yet fully ready for this transformation. According to Pei, although today’s devices are technically advanced, the user experience still follows the patterns of years ago.

Nothing CEO: AI currently performs simple tasks

Carl Pei states that in the first stage of artificial intelligence development, systems perform simple tasks on behalf of the user. Transactions such as booking flight tickets or arranging a hotel are included in this scope. However, Pei describes this level as “far from exciting.” He argues that the real transformation will begin with artificial intelligence knowing the user in the long term and predicting their intentions. For example, the system’s provision of proactive suggestions to a user aiming for a healthier life is considered a part of this approach.

At this point, artificial intelligence is turning into an assistant that develops suggestions rather than just being a tool that responds to commands. Pei likens this situation to the memory features of ChatGPT and states that systems will develop a deeper understanding of the user over time. In addition, it is aimed for the processes to progress automatically without the need for users to plan each step manually. In such a structure, the device is expected to take action by anticipating the user’s needs.

Criticisms about current smartphone use also form an important part of this vision. Pei reminds us that even planning a simple date today requires switching between multiple apps. Using messaging, map, transportation and calendar applications separately complicates the process. Despite this, the fact that the technology infrastructure is so advanced raises the question of why the user experience is still fragmented.

On the other hand, Pei states that the interface design will also change in the future. He states that instead of application screens that people navigate, systems that artificial intelligence agents can directly access should be developed. Despite this, current practices are not expected to disappear completely in the short term. However, in the long run, it is seen as a more efficient approach for artificial intelligence to use applications directly through integrated systems, rather than by imitating the human interface.

Major players in the smartphone market such as Apple and Google have also accelerated artificial intelligence integration. However, Pei’s approach points to a completely different usage model, rather than simply improving existing systems. In this model, devices become digital agents that understand users’ intentions and take action on their behalf.