TLDR: Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon asserts that smartphones will remain central to the digital experience, evolving with integrated AI agents that understand user intentions and automate tasks. This vision was shared at the Snapdragon Summit, where Qualcomm also unveiled new AI chips for mobile and PC, positioning itself as a key player in the AI-first era. Amon highlighted that companion devices like smart glasses and earbuds will interact with these on-device AI agents, making technology more personal and intuitive.
Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon recently articulated a compelling vision for the future of mobile technology, stating that smartphones are not on the path to obsolescence but rather poised for a significant evolution driven by artificial intelligence. Speaking at the Snapdragon Summit on September 25, 2025, Amon emphasized that AI agents will transform smartphones into smarter, more intuitive devices, serving as the core of human digital experiences.
Amon clarified that while new gadgets such as smart glasses, earbuds, and smart rings are emerging, they will not replace smartphones. Instead, these devices will function as extensions, interacting directly with the AI agents residing on the smartphones. This integration is expected to usher in an era where technology becomes profoundly more personal.
“Humans have long determined what they are wearing, ranging from glasses, watches, jewelry, to earbuds. These devices will be part of a new experience with agents as the center,” Amon stated. He further elaborated on the changing nature of applications, moving from merely executing user commands to understanding intentions, anticipating needs, and performing actions autonomously. “The app will be able to understand your intentions and do something for you. That’s an agentic experience that will feel very natural,” Amon explained.
This strategic outlook comes as Qualcomm introduces new AI chips designed for both smartphones and laptops, aiming to solidify its position as a pivotal ecosystem player in the burgeoning AI-first era. The company’s commitment to on-device AI processing was also highlighted in discussions around 6G technology, with Amon noting that 6G, expected around 2028, will be crucial for processing sensor data from new wearables to support these advanced AI agents.
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Qualcomm’s perspective aligns with its long-held belief, articulated as early as 2021, that ‘AI is a new UI’ (user interface). The integration of AI is seen as a fundamental shift in how users interact with their devices, making the digital experience more seamless and proactive. This ongoing innovation underscores Qualcomm’s dedication to building leading platforms in connectivity, computing, and now, AI, as the company celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025.
