Apple's new CEO, John Ternus, is making it clear that the iPhone is not about to be ditched anytime soon. During his first keynote, Ternus placed the iPhone firmly at the center of Apple's strategy for the burgeoning AI era, declaring it the 'intelligent personal hub.' This is a bold move, given the recent skepticism about the iPhone's future.

The approach is reminiscent of Steve Jobs' strategy in 2001, when he argued that the PC was evolving rather than declining. Jobs introduced the iPod as a complementary device, not a replacement for the PC. Ternus, too, is presenting the iPhone as a central part of a broader strategy, with the iPhone forming the core of Apple's 'intelligent personal assistant' vision.

While it's unclear what Ternus has in mind, his pitch is a direct response to critics who have been questioning the iPhone's viability. One recent headline even declared, 'The smartphone’s days are numbered.' This seems premature, given the iPhone's continued success and Ternus' renewed emphasis on its importance.

The iPhone's power, portability, and adaptability give it an edge in the AI era. Other companies have tried to compete with wearables, but none have managed to unseat the iPhone. Ternus’s strategy is to lean into the iPhone's strengths, making it a central part of Apple's future rather than a side player.