AI Agents Will Replace Apps on Phones, Says Nothing CEO Carl Pei, the founder and CEO of Nothing, has predicted that traditional mobile applications will eventually be replaced by AI agents, fundamentally altering how users interact with their smartphones. During a keynote at South by Southwest 2026, Pei argued that apps as we know them are on the verge of obsolescence, stating that “apps are going to disappear” in favor of AI-driven systems that can anticipate and fulfill user needs without requiring manual input. He criticized current smartphone interfaces for remaining largely unchanged since the introduction of the first iPhone, emphasizing that the existing design paradigms are ill-suited for the capabilities of modern AI. Pei envisions a future where AI agents act as personal assistants, interpreting user intentions and executing tasks autonomously. This shift would eliminate the need for users to navigate through multiple menus or perform repetitive actions, streamlining interactions with technology. He suggested that such a transformation could lead to the development of entirely new operating systems and devices tailored specifically for AI-driven workflows. These systems would prioritize seamless integration with AI capabilities, enabling users to accomplish complex tasks with minimal effort. Nothing’s long-term strategy centers on an AI-first approach, a vision Pei has been promoting since securing $200 million in funding last year. The company’s current operating system already allows users to create custom mini apps through a feature called “vibe code,” which enables personalized automation. However, Pei’s ambitions extend beyond incremental improvements, aiming to redefine the entire mobile experience by leveraging AI to handle everything from scheduling to data management.#carl_pei #ai_agents #nothing_ceo #south_by_southwest_2026 #mobile_applications
