Silicon Valley is bracing for a seismic shift in how people use technology. The next generation of AI-powered devices, expected to gain traction by 2026, promises to let AI agents act on your behalf without needing to open apps or visit websites. This shift isn’t just about convenience; it threatens the fundamental business models of many tech giants.
The End of App Reliance?
Currently, companies like Uber, DoorDash, and Amazon thrive on keeping users engaged within their platforms – serving ads, upselling services, and building loyalty. But AI agents could bypass these apps entirely. Imagine an AI assistant that books travel, orders lunch, or restocks household items without you ever interacting with a specific app. The agent would find the best deal and execute the task, cutting out intermediaries.
This poses a clear risk: if users no longer need to visit these apps, companies lose control over customer data and opportunities for additional revenue. Anjney Midha, an investor in AI device startup Sesame, points out that companies without “deep control over the supply of their product” will struggle in this new landscape.
Developer Platforms in Peril
Historically, successful operating systems rely on thriving developer ecosystems. But AI agents could disrupt this balance. While Apple allows developers to reach a large audience, it takes a 30% cut of in-app purchases. AI-powered platforms may introduce new dynamics where companies are reluctant to let third-party agents control access to their users.
Rabbit, the startup behind the R1 device, already faced this issue. Uber and other major app developers initially refused to grant Rabbit API access, forcing the company to build workarounds. As Rabbit CEO Jesse Lyu bluntly put it, “They sell fucking advertisements… They decided we were too small.”
Amazon also demonstrated this resistance, suing Perplexity over its shopping agent for scraping Amazon’s site. The lawsuit shows how companies are protecting their ad-driven models.
Cautious Optimism and Uncertain Futures
Despite these conflicts, some companies are cautiously optimistic. DoorDash, Instacart, Expedia, Uber, and OpenTable have partnered to integrate early AI apps into platforms like ChatGPT and Alexa+. However, these integrations remain in their early stages: only 2.1% of ChatGPT users were seeking purchasing information in September.
The core question remains: how will AI platforms generate revenue? If consumers won’t pay directly, the ad model might not work. The industry is still grappling with this issue, as Midha notes, “How do you pay for it?”
OpenAI Research Shakeup
Meanwhile, OpenAI is undergoing internal tensions over research priorities. Jerry Tworek, VP of research, recently departed due to disagreements with Chief Scientist Jakub Pachocki over the company’s direction. Tworek faced difficulties securing resources for his research, which led to a reorganization leaving him with fewer tools.
This departure highlights the growing competition between AI labs like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic. OpenAI’s dominance is being challenged, and its research bets are under intense scrutiny. Former OpenAI leaders have left to pursue independent research or join competitors, suggesting the next major AI breakthrough may not come from OpenAI alone.
The AI landscape is evolving rapidly, and the future of app ecosystems remains uncertain. The battle between platforms, developers, and AI agents will shape the next era of consumer technology.
