Wearable devices like smartwatches and smart glasses are becoming more advanced every year. However, experts believe that smartphones will remain essential for the foreseeable future, largely due to the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI).
At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, wearable technology took center stage alongside AI-powered smartphones. Companies showcased cutting-edge smart glasses and other wearables, yet industry leaders agree that these gadgets still have significant hurdles to overcome before challenging smartphones as primary digital tools.
Smart Glasses: Progress but Not a Replacement
For over a decade, smart glasses have been touted as the future of mobile computing. Google introduced Google Glass in 2013, but the product was eventually discontinued due to limited adoption. More recently, Meta’s Ray-Ban Smart Glasses have gained traction, featuring built-in cameras, music playback, and AI voice interactions.
According to Counterpoint Research, global smart glasses shipments surged by 210% in 2024. Despite this rapid growth, the actual number of units sold remains small—around two million pairs last year. In contrast, 1.2 billion smartphones were sold in the same period, highlighting the gap between the two markets.
“Smart glasses are still in their infancy,” said Cesar Corcoles, an IT and telecom professor at the Open University of Catalonia. “Prototypes at MWC show promise, but most still offer a very limited display experience.”
Challenges in the Wearable Market
While some wearables are gaining popularity, others struggle to find mainstream success. One example is the AI Pin from Humane, a wearable device designed to replace smartphones by offering AI-powered voice interactions. Despite the hype, it failed to resonate with consumers and was ultimately acquired by HP after receiving poor reviews and weak sales.
Jack Leathem, an analyst at Canalys, explained why the AI Pin failed: “Voice-controlled devices are an interesting concept, but people are deeply accustomed to touchscreens and text-based interactions. Changing that behavior requires a major shift.”
Shen Ye, an executive at HTC’s Vive wearables division, echoed the sentiment. “We still use QWERTY keyboards because they work. Even if better input methods exist, changing user habits is extremely difficult.”
Engineering and Usability Challenges
One of the biggest barriers preventing wearables from replacing smartphones is hardware limitations. Smartwatches and glasses must be compact, yet they lack the processing power and battery life of smartphones.
“There are limits to how small and powerful we can make these devices right now,” said Leathem. “Smartwatches that support calling and messaging still depend on a smartphone connection. They’re accessories, not replacements.”
Additionally, companies have little incentive to push consumers toward a smartphone-free lifestyle. Instead, manufacturers benefit from selling multiple connected devices, encouraging users to own both a smartphone and wearables rather than switching entirely to the latter.
AI is Strengthening Smartphones, Not Replacing Them
While wearables continue to evolve, AI is making smartphones even more indispensable. The latest releases from Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi feature integrated AI assistants that enhance productivity, camera functions, and real-time translations.
“All the major investment in AI is focused on smartphones,” Leathem noted. “Manufacturers see the future as enhancing smartphones with AI, not replacing them.”
Canalys predicts that by 2028, over half of all smartphones sold worldwide will feature AI capabilities, up from 16% today. This means that rather than being replaced by wearables, smartphones will continue to evolve and remain central to digital life.
Wearable technology is improving, but smartphones remain dominant due to their versatility, convenience, and increasing AI integration. While smart glasses and watches offer unique features, they are still seen as complementary devices rather than replacements.
As the market for wearables grows, companies will continue to innovate, but for now, smartphones remain irreplaceable. To stay updated on the latest tech trends, visit Coleman News.
