AI Devices Are Coming. Will Your Favorite Apps Be Along for the Ride? (www.wired.com)

Silicon Valley leaders, including Amazon, Meta, and OpenAI, are vying to create AI-powered operating systems for devices expected to emerge by 2026. These systems aim to allow AI agents to perform tasks autonomously—like booking travel or ordering lunch—eliminating the need for users to interact with traditional apps. While this promises a more seamless user experience, it poses significant challenges for existing consumer tech firms reliant on app-based revenue models, as it could disrupt their direct relationship with users by relegating them to the background. The implications of this shift are profound, particularly for companies like Uber and DoorDash that depend on in-app advertising and upselling. With AI agents potentially mediating interactions, these companies risk losing crucial engagement opportunities, influencing how services are delivered. Early data suggests that AI applications are still in a developmental stage, with minimal user adoption for purchasing through bots like ChatGPT. As the industry navigates these changes, key questions arise about how new revenue models will function in a landscape increasingly dominated by AI-managed interactions, challenging traditional app ecosystems.