The AI-Powered Smartphones That Never Arrived in 2024

Despite bold claims, 2024’s smartphones failed to deliver on the promise of AI integration, leaving users underwhelmed.

Over the past year, I’ve closely followed every major phone launch in the US, each touting AI as the next big thing. However, the reality of these so-called AI phones fell far short of the hype. The concept of AI smartphones envisions a device that seamlessly integrates AI to handle tasks like ordering pizza or managing your calendar, but this vision remains largely unfulfilled.

Current AI features on phones, such as writing assistance or call translation, feel more like isolated gimmicks rather than transformative innovations. Major players like Samsung, Google, and Apple have all introduced AI elements, but none have delivered a cohesive, game-changing experience.

Samsung’s Galaxy S24, for instance, offers AI photo editing but lacks depth in its AI integration. Google’s Pixel 9 series boasts various AI tools, but they remain fragmented and not fully interconnected. Apple’s iPhone 16, with its delayed AI features, offers modest improvements but fails to live up to the ‘AI smartphone’ label.

The current state of AI in smartphones feels like a collection of tech demos rather than a platform shift. As phone makers continue to promise revolutionary AI experiences, the gap between promise and reality grows, testing users’ patience.