Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon said artificial intelligence will reshape consumer products and the way users interact with their devices during a recent interview.
This shift signals a transition from traditional application-based computing to a model driven by AI agents. If successful, this evolution could disrupt the current smartphone market by changing how software is delivered and consumed.
Speaking on CNBC’s “Tech Download” podcast earlier this month, Amon said the rise of AI agents linked directly to hardware is occurring. He said that the current reliance on static applications is evolving toward a more fluid, intelligent experience.
"Apps are going to change," Amon said.
To support this transition, Qualcomm is currently working on more than 40 designs for new AI-powered devices [1]. These designs aim to integrate AI more deeply into the hardware, allowing for faster processing, and more personalized user experiences.
Beyond product development, Amon said the operational complexities of the global market are a factor. He specifically highlighted the challenges associated with operating in China, a critical region for the company's supply chain and customer base.
These strategic moves come as Amon marks his fifth anniversary as the company's chief executive [2]. Qualcomm is a 41-year-old communications company [3] that has pivoted from its origins in wireless chips to become a central player in the AI hardware race.
Amon said the company's strategy involves showcasing upcoming AI-enabled products to maintain its competitive edge against other chipmakers and software giants.
“"Apps are going to change."”
Qualcomm's aggressive pursuit of over 40 new AI device designs suggests a strategic bet that the 'smartphone era' is evolving into an 'AI agent era.' By moving beyond the traditional app model, Qualcomm is attempting to lock in hardware dominance before software giants can fully decouple AI services from specific device ecosystems. However, the company's reliance on the Chinese market remains a significant geopolitical risk that could impact its ability to scale these new technologies globally.
