TL;DR
Major tech firms are developing operating systems for AI-driven devices that let agents act for users, potentially reducing visits to traditional apps and websites. Some app developers are wary of delegating user interactions to autonomous AI layers.
What happened
Several large technology companies are actively building software platforms intended to power a new generation of AI-first devices. These platforms are being framed as operating systems for gadgets whose core features center on AI agents that can perform tasks on behalf of users without sending them to an app or a website. Industry observers expect 2026 to be a pivotal year for these efforts, when product announcements and early rollouts could begin to materialize. At the same time, a number of application developers are uneasy about the prospect of an AI intermediary handling user requests, fearing a loss of direct connection with customers. Reporting on this topic appeared in a Model Behavior column by Maxwell Zeff in WIRED on January 8, 2026, which highlights the tension between platform builders and third-party developers as AI becomes framed as the next major platform shift.
Why it matters
- A shift to AI-powered agents could change how users access services, reducing direct app or website visits.
- Developers who depend on direct user engagement may face new business and distribution challenges.
- Companies building AI 'operating systems' could reshape platform control and the flow of user interactions.
- 2026 is identified as a likely inflection point for device launches and platform moves in this space.
Key facts
- Tech firms including Amazon, Meta, and OpenAI are working on operating systems for AI-driven devices.
- These devices emphasize AI agents that can act on users' behalf, potentially bypassing apps and websites.
- Coverage identifies 2026 as a year when these efforts are likely to accelerate or start to take off.
- Some app developers are hesitant to allow AI intermediaries to stand between them and their users.
- The framing of AI as the 'next platform' underpins the industry push toward agent-centric devices.
- The reporting appeared in WIRED's Model Behavior newsletter, written by Maxwell Zeff, published January 8, 2026.
What to watch next
- Rollout timelines and device announcements from major companies in 2026.
- Whether leading app developers integrate with, adapt to, or push back against agent-driven interfaces (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- AI agent: A software entity that uses artificial intelligence to perform tasks or make decisions on behalf of a user.
- Operating system (OS): Core software that manages hardware and provides services for other programs, shaping how developers build and users interact with devices.
- Platform: An environment—software, hardware, or both—that hosts applications and services and can influence distribution, monetization, and user access.
- App: A software application designed for end users to perform specific tasks, typically accessed via a device or web browser.
Reader FAQ
Which companies are building AI operating systems for devices?
The reporting names Amazon, Meta, and OpenAI as companies working on such platforms; other firms are not detailed in the source.
When will these AI devices arrive broadly?
The article indicates 2026 is likely to be a key year for these efforts to start taking off.
Will my favorite apps continue to be available on AI devices?
Not confirmed in the source whether apps will be preserved, integrated, or displaced by agent-driven interfaces.
Are developers opposed to this shift?
The source reports that some developers are reluctant to let AI agents mediate interactions between them and users.
MAXWELL ZEFF BUSINESS JAN 8, 2026 2:00 PM AI Devices Are Coming. Will Your Favorite Apps Be Along for the Ride? Tech companies are calling AI the next platform. But…
Sources
- AI Devices Are Coming. Will Your Favorite Apps Be Along for the Ride?
- The Future of Mobile Apps in the AI-First Era
- The Ultimate AI Wearable Is a Piece of Tech You Already …
- Top AI Apps & Features for Your Android Device
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