Technology is evolving so rapidly that the smartphones we use today may seem like retro gadgets in a decade. Every year, new features appear in them, but the most interesting changes are obviously yet to come: both the appearance of the devices and our usual way of interacting with them may soon change. At the same time, it is increasingly likely that over time, classic smartphones will transform into other forms or become a thing of the past.
Compact hardware and a new form factor
The most noticeable trend is the miniaturization of processors and electronic components. Whereas once chips took up a lot of space, now these “brains” of the device fit into thin boards capable of processing enormous amounts of data. This opens up the possibility of creating ultra-lightweight and flexible smartphones that can be rolled up, folded, or even worn on the wrist as a bracelet.
Now there are the first models with flexible displays on the market, but in 10 years such options are likely to reach a new level of comfort. Most likely, they will experiment with transparent or partially transparent screens capable of displaying information in different modes. The shape of smartphones will also change: for example, thin rectangles that can be easily transformed into a tablet or compact “twistable” panels with a large workspace.
When we talk about the future, it’s hard to avoid the topic of artificial intelligence. It already helps cameras recognize faces or choose the best settings for taking photos, but in the next ten years, its role will become much more important. AI systems will begin to understand the context of a conversation, responding to questions and commands as naturally as possible.
Voice control should go beyond the usual commands like “turn on music” or “how many degrees is it outside?” You will be able to communicate with the voice assistant as if you were talking to a familiar person. You won’t even need to touch the screen, as it will be enough to voice the request, and the artificial intelligence will provide all the information – messages, weather forecasts, and travel itinerary – either in the form of a voice response or on a holographic display (when they become available).
The emergence of holograms and augmented reality
Another important area is visualization technologies. Holograms, which today look like an effect from science fiction movies, may become a reality in the near future. Some companies are demonstrating prototypes of holographic panels, and in 10 years, such solutions may well become widespread.
Imagine a tiny chip or ultra-thin keychain that projects a contact menu, web browser, or messenger window in front of you in the form of a three-dimensional image at the right time. No more bulky screens – all information is displayed in space. Such holographic interfaces go hand in hand with augmented reality (AR), which integrates digital objects directly into our physical environment. Already, glasses with AR functions can overlay infographics on real objects. Ultimately, these innovations can replace the usual rectangular display if they become simple and accessible to use. P.S. We have already published an article on AR/VR on Technoworld, so you can read it here.
High-speed communication of the new generation
For all the concepts described above to work successfully, ultra-fast and stable Internet access is required. While we are now gradually moving to 5G, in about 10 years the world may already be using 6G or even 7G. Such a connection will enable the transfer of huge amounts of information in just a fraction of a second. This means that all complex operations that require a lot of computing power (for example, big data analysis or hologram rendering) will take place on cloud servers. Devices will simply accept the “finished result” and display it in an accessible form. As a result, compact form factors will become more important, as the gadget’s “stuffing” will be minimal – the main thing is to have a high-speed communication module.
Will smartphones disappear altogether?
It is quite possible. If there are more convenient ways to access information, and the functions of calls, messengers, and social networks are successfully taken over by glasses or contact lenses with projection, then the large “brick-like” body will become unnecessary.
There are even futuristic predictions about the introduction of neural interfaces – when users can directly interact with the digital environment using brain impulses. Such a technology, if it becomes possible, will raise many questions, including security. So for now, it seems closer to science fiction, but let’s not forget that the Neurolink chip has already been launched and is being tested on humans.
Interaction with other devices
Another thing that will influence the future of smartphones is the ecosystem around us. Increasingly, smart devices are being connected to form a single network: watches, headphones, cars, refrigerators, etc. Ten years from now, each of these elements will likely be part of a global network that can be conveniently controlled through a single interface. If this “single control panel” moves to augmented reality glasses or a compact bracelet with a holographic projector, our smartphone will no longer be the main means of interacting with electronics as we know it.
The future
The realization of all scenarios depends not only on scientific and technological inventions, but also on how quickly they become available to the mass consumer. Some promising developments remain within the walls of laboratories due to high costs and lack of interest from large investors. It is also important how ready people will be to let such innovations into their everyday life and abandon proven devices.
On the one hand, smartphones may change significantly or even disappear if extremely convenient alternatives emerge. On the other hand, human nature values simplicity and clear solutions. Inventions that turn our perceptions upside down quickly become commonplace, but sometimes it takes more than a decade for them to become truly widespread. So in 10 years, we are likely to see flexible displays, advanced artificial intelligence functionality, and more sophisticated smartphone designs. Whether they will be completely abandoned will depend on how quickly and deeply technologies like AR, holograms, and neural interfaces are integrated into everyday life. If they can offer a simpler and more efficient way of communicating, then classic phones will definitely go into the shadows, and this will be a completely logical step.