Google CEO Sundar Pichai has said that smartphones will continue to be the main device people use for at least the next two to three years. Even though Google is working hard on developing smart glasses and augmented reality (AR) technology, Pichai believes that phones will still be at the center of our daily lives for now.
Smartphones Aren’t Going Anywhere Soon
Speaking during Alphabet’s second-quarter earnings call for 2025, Pichai said that while AR glasses are exciting, they won’t replace smartphones just yet. “Phones will remain the main consumer device for the next two to three years,” he said. This shows that Google is taking a slow and steady approach to AR instead of trying to change everything overnight.
Google’s Investment in AR
Google is still investing heavily in AR. The company is working on a new platform called Android XR and has partnered with fashion brands like Gentle Monster and Warby Parker to make smart glasses look stylish. Google is also working with Samsung to create both software and hardware for AR glasses, which will help more companies join the AR space.
For now, Google is focusing on XR headsets (a mix of AR and virtual reality) and plans to release tools for developers later this year. This step-by-step strategy shows that Google is thinking long-term while being realistic about today’s technology limits.
AR Glasses Are a Future Plan, Not a Replacement
Even though Sundar Pichai is very excited about AR glasses, he made it clear that Google doesn’t see them replacing smartphones anytime soon. This is different from some other tech companies that believe phones will quickly become outdated.
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Apple Thinks Phones Could Be Gone in 10 Years
For example, Apple’s senior executive Eddy Cue recently said that we might not need iPhones in 10 years because AI and new tech could take over. Apple is already developing at least seven different headsets, including smart glasses similar to Ray-Bans by 2027 and advanced XR glasses by 2028. Analysts think Apple might even launch more of these headsets than iPhones in the next few years.
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Final Thoughts
While Apple pushes forward with new devices that could replace smartphones, Google is taking a more cautious and practical route. Google is giving phones a few more years to stay on top while slowly preparing for a future with AR glasses. The next few years will be interesting as we see which strategy—fast change or slow growth—wins.
