Nothing CEO Carl Pei says smartphone apps will disappear as AI agents take their place

AI-first device vision

Carl Pei, Nothing's co-founder and CEO, says apps will disappear as AI agents power devices. He argues that if a startup's core value lies in an app, that app will be disrupted whether you like it or not. He spoke at SXSW in Austin on Wednesday about an AI-first device.

Nothing previously closed a $200 million Series C funding round last year to back the idea of a smartphone using AI and personalization that users won't have to double-check. He described the concept as laying the groundwork for a future where devices anticipate user needs rather than rely on apps.

AI steps to reality

Pei outlines the first step as an AI feature that can execute a command on the user's behalf, such as booking flights or hotels, which he calls 'super boring'. The next step would have the AI learn a user's long-term intentions and offer nudges or suggestions, like helping with health goals.

He compares this to ChatGPT's memory feature, saying the system could surface things the user didn't know they wanted. He says the device would do things for you without needing to be commanded, and criticizes the current 'old-school' phone design with lock screens, home screens, and multiple apps.

Interface shift for agents

Pei envisions an interface designed for the AI agent to use rather than a human navigating apps. He acknowledges that apps will not disappear in the near term, and Nothing's own operating system does not yet allow users to create mini apps. He says the future is not the agent using a human interface, but creating an interface for the agent to use.