Apple executives previously projected that smart glasses would take the place of the iPhone by 2029, a forecast that Eddy Cue later adjusted to 2035. Nonetheless, Neal Stephenson, a well-known supporter of this idea, has changed his position, now claiming that smartphones will persist for at least 20 more years.
Stephenson, who coined the term “metaverse” in his book *Snowcrash*, once firmly held that smart glasses would eventually supplant smartphones. Apple’s internal conversations in 2019 reflected this belief, indicating that such devices could replace smartphones in less than ten years. Eddy Cue reaffirmed this perspective, asserting that significant technological transformations could make the iPhone outdated.
Recently, Stephenson unveiled his shift in opinion, indicating that portable devices will continue to be common, particularly if the alternative entails donning devices on one’s face. He highlighted the difficulties in rendering smart glasses attractive, citing the unfavorable reception of Google Glass and analogous products.
While some argue that smart glasses will carve out a niche for themselves, many others, including commentators at 9to5Mac, contend that they will not supplant smartphones. The functionality and familiar design of smartphones suggest that they will endure, even with progress in wearable tech.