Sources: 

Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas claims that the rise of artificial intelligence will enhance, rather than disrupt, the importance of the iPhone. He points out,
‘The phone, the iPhone, is actually not getting disrupted by AI at all. In fact, the more AI works better, the iPhone essentially becomes your digital passport,’ emphasizing its role as a secure digital repository for personal information.
Srinivas contends that as
AI tools become integral to daily life, the iPhone's functionality as a gateway to users’ personal data, such as health records and financial information, grows significantly. He notes,
‘As smart programs become a bigger part of daily routines, the device that securely holds your personal details becomes the most important piece of the entire puzzle.’The CEO argues that Apple’s established brand trust is a crucial factor that will help the iPhone maintain its market position, despite criticism of its virtual assistant, Siri. He states,
‘Even though a lot of people have opinions on how bad Siri is or good Siri is, [Apple has] the ability to take time and do things they want to do, because they have advantages as a brand that people truly trust.’Recent industry reports indicate that Apple commands a
21% market share and has achieved a
5% year-over-year growth in Q1 2026, suggesting promising performance amid the evolution of AI technologies.
Sources: 

Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas asserts that AI advancements do not threaten the iPhone, which he describes as becoming a 'digital passport' as AI matures. He highlights Apple's brand trust and ecosystem as advantages that underscore the smartphone's growing importance in users' lives.