Apple CEO Confident in iPhone's Enduring Future

Tim Cook says "there's so much left that we can do" with the iconic smartphone.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:34am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a recent interview, Apple CEO Tim Cook expressed confidence in the iPhone's continued importance, stating that the device will remain "the center of people's digital lives" for the foreseeable future. Despite Apple's push into new product categories like augmented reality, Cook believes the iPhone will be "around for a very long time" and sees "so much left that we can do" to innovate on the iconic smartphone.

Why it matters

The iPhone has been Apple's flagship product for nearly 20 years, driving the company's massive success. Cook's comments suggest Apple sees the iPhone maintaining its central role in people's lives even as the tech landscape evolves, underscoring the device's enduring importance to Apple's business.

The details

During an interview at New York's Grand Central Terminal, Cook said the iPhone will "continue to be the center of people's digital lives," despite Apple's work on new technologies like augmented reality glasses and AI-powered devices. Last quarter, iPhone revenue hit a new all-time high of $85.2 billion, with Cook describing the demand as "simply staggering." While the iPhone turns 20 next year, Cook believes it will remain a fixture for the foreseeable future, stating "iPhone's going to be around for a very long time."

  • The interview with Tim Cook took place last week at New York's Grand Central Terminal.
  • The iPhone will turn 20 years old next year (2027).

The players

Tim Cook

The CEO of Apple Inc., the technology company that designs and manufactures the iPhone and other popular consumer electronics.

Nikias Molina

The interviewer who spoke with Tim Cook at Grand Central Terminal in New York.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There's so much left that we can do with the iPhone. I think it's going to continue to be the center of people's digital lives.”

— Tim Cook, CEO

“iPhone had its best-ever quarter driven by unprecedented demand, with all-time records across every geographic segment.”

— Tim Cook, CEO

What’s next

Apple is expected to unveil its latest iPhone models later this year, which will likely feature new hardware and software capabilities as the company continues to innovate on its flagship device.

The takeaway

Tim Cook's confident outlook on the iPhone's future underscores Apple's commitment to maintaining the device's central role in people's digital lives, even as the company explores new product categories. This suggests the iPhone will remain a cornerstone of Apple's business for years to come.