‘The iPhone is actually not getting disrupted by AI at all’: Perplexity CEO dismisses talk that Apple losing out in the AI race
iPhone's unique roles in wallets, health, and photos make it AI-proof, says Aravind Srinivas
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas recently defended Apple's iPhone in the AI era, stating on the 'This Week in AI' podcast that the device is 'not getting disrupted by AI at all.' He emphasized that the iPhone serves as a 'digital passport' storing essential personal data—wallets, bank cards, health records, photos, and communication tools like messages and FaceTime—which remain independent of AI advancements. This multifaceted role, he argued, ensures the iPhone's relevance regardless of AI's progress.
Srinivas also pointed to Apple's competitive advantages: its custom silicon chips enable robust on-device AI processing, enhancing privacy by avoiding cloud uploads, and its strong privacy controls appeal to security-conscious users. Despite debates that AI could replace smartphone functions, past attempts like the Humane AI Pin and Rabbit R1 have failed, while iPhone sales continue to grow. This suggests Apple's unique strengths may allow it to thrive alongside AI, not be replaced by it.
- Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas says the iPhone's core functions (wallets, health, photos, communication) are AI-independent, making it resilient
- Apple's custom silicon chips enable on-device AI processing for better privacy, a key advantage over cloud-dependent rivals
- AI-first devices like Humane AI Pin and Rabbit R1 have failed, while iPhone sales remain strong, challenging disruption theories
Why It Matters
Apple's iPhone may not need to win the AI race—its unique roles and privacy strengths ensure lasting relevance.