Tony Fadell warns AI assistant choice could shape future like iPhone

Tony Fadell, the engineer often called the “father of the iPod,” argued that the selection of an AI assistant will be a pivotal decision for technology’s next era. He likened its importance to the impact of the iPhone, noting that Apple’s success stemmed from anticipating the behavioral shifts the device would create, not merely the technical innovation.

Fadell warned that an AI assistant that integrates data from phones, watches, laptops and other devices – what he calls a “Federation of Devices” – could become extremely powerful, raising privacy, ethical and addiction concerns. He urged developers to address these issues from the outset, emphasizing that the platform will know users’ thoughts, work habits and daily life more intimately than ever before.