A visitor tests out the new Vision Pro at the Apple Vision Pro launch event held at Apple The Grove in Los Angeles, California, on February 2, 2024. – David Swanson/AFP/Getty Images
Recent antitrust trials against Meta and Google have revealed some candid observations from tech leaders. People are not connecting as much on Facebook nowadays, and the necessity of the iPhone may diminish in the future. Moreover, Google searches on one of the world’s most popular smartphones are on the decline. This marks a rare acknowledgment by tech giants that their once groundbreaking products could lose relevance over time.
Silicon Valley prides itself on innovation and constant pursuit of the “next big thing.” The competition to remain relevant is fierce. However, the trials have highlighted the increasing challenges faced by tech giants from emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and new social media platforms. The rapid pace at which products can become outdated is evident.
Apple did not provide a comment in response to CNN’s inquiry. A Google spokesperson referred to the company’s public statements, while a Meta spokesperson pointed to specific responses from CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s testimony in court.
Google, Meta, and Apple have played pivotal roles in shaping the modern web. Google’s search engine dominance in the late 1990s and early 2000s revolutionized result ranking by relevance. Meta, as Facebook’s parent company, transformed social networking into a platform centered on likes, comments, and interactions.
The smartphone, pioneered by Apple with the launch of the first iPhone in 2007, facilitated widespread access to these services. The success of these products propelled Apple, Google, and Meta to extraordinary valuations. However, recent revelations indicate a waning interest among consumers in the core functions that initially defined these tech giants.
During a recent antitrust trial involving the Justice Department and Google, Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, disclosed a notable decline in Google search queries on Apple devices. This trend suggests a possible shift towards AI chatbots as alternatives to traditional search engines. Google maintains that search volume remains steady overall, including queries from Apple devices.
In a similar vein, Meta has noted a decline in user engagement with its original purpose of connecting with friends and sharing content. Mark Zuckerberg acknowledged a decrease in sharing activities on Facebook during an antitrust trial. Instead, the company has observed a rise in direct messaging activity.
As younger audiences drift towards other online platforms, Facebook faces the challenge of retaining its user base. Surveys indicate a decline in Facebook’s popularity among younger demographics, signaling a need for Meta to adapt to changing user preferences.
Book usage among teens has significantly declined over the past decade, with only 32% now using Meta’s original social network, down from 71% in 2014 and 2015. Meta has adapted by introducing features like Instagram Stories and Reels to keep up with trends, as Zuckerberg noted that video content is now a key focus on Facebook. Apple has also acknowledged the potential shift away from iPhones in the future, with an executive suggesting that smart glasses could become the next big thing in tech. Companies like Meta, Samsung, and Google are already investing in this technology. With the rise of smart glasses and AI, the tech industry is evolving rapidly, challenging giants like Apple and Meta to stay innovative. The future of technology may involve wearable devices and less reliance on traditional smartphones. This shift presents new opportunities for growth and competition in the tech market.
