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Qualcomm CEO: AI Giants Could Make Their Own Phones by 2028

Qualcomm CEO: AI Giants Could Make Their Own Phones by 2028

Imagine a smartphone that doesn't just run apps but thinks for itself—no internet required. That's the future Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon hinted at during a recent interview on Fireside Alpha. He revealed that at least one major AI company wants to run a 100-billion-parameter model on a phone by 2028, and they're hunting for hardware that can handle it. Amon didn't name names, but his message was clear: AI companies are tired of playing behind the scenes. They want to own the most personal screen you have.

The Hardware Hurdle

Squeezing a 100-billion-parameter model into a device that fits in your palm isn't just about raw computing power. Amon pointed out that power consumption and heat are the real buzzkills. Phones have tiny batteries and even tinier space for cooling. Run that model full throttle, and you'll feel the burn—literally. But Amon remains optimistic. As chips get faster and AI processing gets smarter, he believes more advanced tasks will happen right on your device, no cloud required. Think of it as a brain in your pocket that can chat anytime, anywhere.

Who's Making the Move?

Industry watchers have their bets placed. OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta are the usual suspects. OpenAI has already teamed up with Jony Ive, Apple's legendary designer, to build AI hardware—rumored to be a smart speaker with a camera. Meta has VR headsets and smart glasses, but a phone? Not yet. Anthropic has stayed quiet on consumer gadgets. Regardless of who moves first, Amon's comments signal a shift: when models become small enough and powerful enough to run locally, a new wave of players could crash the smartphone party.

What This Means for You

If AI companies start making phones, the competition could heat up. More players mean more innovation—and maybe more choices for you. But it also raises questions: Will these phones be privacy-friendly? Will they cost an arm and a leg? And will traditional phone makers like Apple and Samsung feel the squeeze? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: the smartphone landscape could look very different by 2028.

Key Points

  • Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon says an AI company aims to run a 100-billion-parameter model on a smartphone by 2028.
  • Heat and power consumption are the biggest technical hurdles, not just computing power.
  • OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta are potential candidates to enter the smartphone market.
  • Local AI processing could become the norm, reducing reliance on the cloud.
  • New competition may reshape the smartphone industry, offering more choices but also raising cost and privacy concerns.