Carl Pei, the CEO of Nothing, envisions a transformative future for smartphones, where devices will operate with only one app—the Operating System (OS). Pei, who co-founded OnePlus and later established Nothing, recently shared his insights with WIRED magazine.
He critiques larger smartphone companies like Apple, which he believes have become overly corporate, stifling creativity. This situation presents an opportunity for smaller, more agile firms like Nothing to innovate.
In a memo dated earlier this year, Pei hinted at significant advancements coming by 2025 that would revolutionize user interfaces, tapping into AI technology. He likens this ambition to creating the “iPod” of AI, focusing on enhancing user experience rather than making grandiose claims about AI’s potential.
According to Pei, the goal is to leverage AI to address real consumer problems rather than just market narratives. He regards smartphones as the primary vehicle for AI developments, potentially eclipsing wearable technology like smart glasses.
Pei’s vision includes a smartphone that anticipates user needs by suggesting actions and executing them automatically. This would eliminate the current tedious process of users manually navigating their devices.
He stated, “Right now, you have to go through a step-by-step process… In the future, your phone will suggest what you want to do and then do it automatically for you.”
However, Pei acknowledges that this one-app future is not imminent. He estimates it could take 7 to 10 years for the industry to adapt fully, largely due to consumer dependence on existing apps and the revenue structures maintained by companies like Apple and Google.
Despite the uncertainties, Pei’s perspective is grounded in his experience, making his vision worth consideration as the smartphone landscape evolves.