Tony Fadell Slams 'AI-First' Hype, Calls Apple Vision Pro an 'Abject Failure' [Video]

Tony Fadell, the former Apple executive widely credited as the father of the iPod and the founder of Nest, offered a candid and critical assessment of the current technology landscape this week. In a wide-ranging interview on the Newcomer podcast, Fadell weighed in on everything from the current hype cycle around artificial intelligence to the rumors linking him to Apple's top job, offering a rare, unfiltered perspective from one of the industry's most successful hardware architects.

Fadell expressed deep skepticism regarding the recent wave of dedicated AI hardware, such as the Humane AI Pin or various wearable pendants. He argued that the form factor barely matters compared to the context a device can capture. For an assistant to be truly useful, he explained, it requires both historical data and real-time awareness of the user's environment, knowing where you are, who you are with, and what you are doing.


He suggested that many of these standalone devices exist primarily to bypass the iPhone's permission models and sensor restrictions. By building a separate device, companies can siphon data to the cloud without navigating Apple's privacy hurdles. This approach contrasts with efforts like the reported collaboration between OpenAI and Jony Ive, which aims to define entirely new, screenless hardware categories. Fadell maintained that the smartphone remains the superior interface for output, dismissing the idea that consumers want to carry a second screenless device to do what their phone already does better.

The conversation turned notably critical when discussing Apple's recent strategy. Fadell called out the industry's current "AI-first" marketing, specifically noting that he felt Apple had crossed a line it historically respected. "Apple has never done marketing bullshit before," he said, referring to recent campaigns that he felt overpromised on intelligence capabilities the software cannot yet deliver. He was equally blunt regarding the Apple Vision Pro, describing it as an "abject failure" from a commercial standpoint. He acknowledged that Vision Pro is an impressive piece of engineering, but said that technical achievement hasn't translated into commercial success. His view tracks with recent reports that Apple has scaled back production and marketing as sales failed to meet expectations.

Fadell was similarly blunt when discussing the broader AI market. He described OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's approach as an effort to become "too big to fail," questioning how long the company can sustain its burn rate as compute costs continue to climb. He contrasted that with companies like Google, which control their own chips, data centers, and distribution. Apple has taken a different path as well, opting to partner with Google's Gemini for upcoming features instead of relying entirely on its own infrastructure.

Addressing persistent speculation that he could be a candidate for Apple CEO, Fadell admitted he has received outreach from current and former employees about the role. While emphasizing that Apple will make the right decision when the time comes, he said he would "take the call" if the board or Tim Cook reached out to help. However, current supply chain and insider reports suggest that hardware engineering chief John Ternus has emerged as the likely successor to Tim Cook.


When asked what products he would prioritize if he were running the company, Fadell had a clear wishlist. He argued Apple would be "crazy" not to release a smart ring, noting the company has the health expertise and ecosystem to dominate the category. He also voiced support for a foldable iPhone, specifically one that unfolds into an iPad-like experience, echoing recent rumors that Apple is developing a crease-free foldable for 2026. On mobility, he suggested Apple "flubbed" its car project by trying to build a traditional vehicle, but argued the company should still rethink urban transportation with smaller, lighter electric vehicles.

Finally, regarding the smart home, a category he helped define with Nest, Fadell said the market remains fragmented and far from the seamless experience consumers expect. He estimated the industry is still five to six years away from delivering on that promise. Apple is reportedly preparing a dedicated home hub in an effort to close that gap later this year.

Take a look at the full interview below...