The role of Artificial Intelligence in smartphones is rapidly evolving from a niche feature to a fundamental necessity, transforming user interaction and device capabilities. This sentiment is encapsulated by tech observer Bishal Nandi, who recently stated on social media:
"SMARTPHONES WITHOUT AI ARE NO LONGER SMART." This underscores a growing consensus that AI is now central to defining a smartphone's intelligence and utility.
Industry projections confirm this trend, with Canalys predicting that 28% of all new smartphones shipped by 2025 will integrate generative AI technologies. Deloitte further forecasts that the share of generative AI-enabled smartphones could exceed 30% by the end of 2025, indicating a strong market acceleration. This surge is driven by rapid advancements in chipset technologies and increasing consumer demand for AI-driven features, prompting a faster upgrade cycle among users, as noted by Assurant's recent reports.
AI's integration enhances various aspects of smartphone functionality, from sophisticated camera capabilities to personalized user experiences. Features such as real-time scene detection, advanced portrait modes, and low-light enhancements are now standard, powered by on-device AI. Leading manufacturers like Google, Apple, and Samsung are leveraging AI for intelligent voice assistants, predictive text, and smart battery management, making devices more intuitive and efficient.
Beyond core functionalities, AI is enabling deeper personalization, allowing devices to learn user habits and optimize performance, storage, and notification management. This includes the emergence of large language model (LLM)-powered voice assistants, such as Apple Intelligence and Google's Gemini, offering more natural and human-like conversational abilities. The ongoing evolution positions smartphones as increasingly intelligent companions, capable of anticipating user needs and providing seamless, context-aware assistance in daily life.