Three-Year Overhaul for Popular Smartphone Lineup
The beloved pocket-sized computing device, popularly known as the smartphone, is due for a major overhaul in the next three years. This refresh is especially significant for a leading tech firm that's known for its flagship device. The revamp is happening at a time when the industry is increasingly focusing on integrating more artificial intelligence (AI) into their products.
The tech giant's first move is to introduce a slim model to replace the current larger model. This new sleek device is anticipated to hit the markets next month.
The next big thing on the agenda is the introduction of a foldable smartphone next year. The new phone is projected to boast five cameras and, like the slim model, will not feature a SIM card slot, signaling a shift from traditional phone designs.
By 2027, the company plans to commemorate the 20th anniversary of its smartphone with a model featuring curved glass. This design is a significant deviation from the rectangular form the company has stuck with for the last five years. The anniversary model will be characterized by curved glass edges, giving it a refreshing, modern look.
Expectations for 2025 and Beyond
While 2025 may not bring about groundbreaking changes for the flagship smartphone, it's expected to set the stage for significant developments in 2026 and 2027. This makes the coming years an exciting period for smartphone enthusiasts.
This information comes on the heels of a recent opinion piece that suggested the tech firm might be lagging behind its competitors in the AI race. This is particularly concerning given the upcoming release of a new model by a rival tech company, which is expected to boast impressive AI features.
The rival's smartphone is set to offer AI-powered services such as providing information as needed, offering translations through a real-time voice clone and transcript, helping users capture high-quality photos, and editing already-shot images.
The AI Challenge and the Road Ahead
Another technology expert suggested that the tech giant's smartphone risks becoming a mere commodity instead of being the key digital interface for consumers. This is primarily because the rival's current and upcoming models come with built-in AI that enables users to speak, search, transact, and navigate with a seamless AI experience, something the tech giant has yet to match.
There are concerns about how long consumers will wait for the tech firm to catch up in the AI race. Although switching from one operating system to another is a hassle, the lure of an AI-powered smartphone might be enough for some users to abandon their current devices.
The tech firm has recently faced several challenges in the AI arena, including investor impatience, talent exits, and delays in updating its virtual assistant. However, the company is reportedly gearing up to bounce back in the AI space with a revamped virtual assistant powered by large language models, potentially arriving on smartphones and tablets as early as next year.