For nearly 30 years, smartphones have been central to daily life, shaping how we communicate, navigate, and entertain ourselves. However, Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, suggests that this era may be coming to an end. In his recent announcement, Zuckerberg revealed his vision for the future of technology—smart glasses, which he believes will replace smartphones as the primary means of interacting with the digital world.

Zuckerberg’s prediction may seem difficult to grasp, as smartphones have become so integral to our lives. But he argues that the shift towards a more immersive, natural, and social computing experience is already underway. During an interview with tech journalist Cleo Abram, he explained that computing is moving away from handheld screens towards wearable technology. He envisions a future where users can interact with their surroundings and digital content seamlessly, without needing to look at a screen.

The smart glasses Zuckerberg foresees will allow users to access information, communicate, and engage with the digital world more intuitively. Instead of frequently checking a smartphone, users could rely on augmented reality (AR) glasses for their needs. Though the idea of replacing a smartphone with a pair of glasses may sound futuristic, major tech companies like Meta and Apple are already investing heavily in wearable tech. Meta is working on the Orion smart glasses, and Apple has introduced its Vision Pro, signaling the beginning of a significant shift in personal technology.

Zuckerberg predicts that by the 2030s, smartphones will no longer be the primary device for most people. Instead, AR-powered smart glasses will take over, offering hands-free features like real-time navigation, instant access to notifications, seamless communication, and AI-powered assistance. Though smart glasses are still in their early stages, advancements in AR, AI, and lightweight technology point to a future where smartphones may become secondary, with smart glasses leading the way.

While the concept of smart glasses replacing smartphones may be revolutionary, their success will depend not only on technological developments but also on user adoption. Smartphones are deeply ingrained in daily routines, and shifting to smart glasses would require significant cultural acceptance. Nonetheless, as tech companies race to develop next-gen AR devices, it seems inevitable that the way we interact with technology will evolve—whether smart glasses entirely replace smartphones or simply offer an alternative tool remains to be seen.

BY
The Advocate