Tony Fadell, widely known as the “father of the iPod,” has delivered one of his strongest critiques of Apple in years. In a recent hour-long interview on the Newcomer Podcast, Fadell argued that Apple has stumbled in artificial intelligence and walked away too soon from its ambitious car project.
Although Fadell left Apple in 2008, his views still carry weight. He later founded Nest, which Google acquired in 2014. Now, he advises several technology firms and closely tracks AI development.
Apple Intelligence and AI Hype
Fadell believes Apple’s current AI messaging conflicts with the company’s historic philosophy. He criticized marketing phrases like “AI-first devices,” calling them overhyped and uncharacteristic of Apple’s usual restraint.
Instead, he urged Apple to return to its core strategy of under-promising and over-delivering. While Fadell supports AI’s long-term value, he stressed that today’s consumer AI products often fail to deliver meaningful benefits.
Why AI Accessories Make More Sense Than Replacing Phones
Despite his skepticism, Fadell remains optimistic about Apple’s future in AI hardware. He argued that standalone AI devices fail when they try to replace smartphones. However, accessories that support phones could succeed.
According to Fadell, products such as AI pins, smart rings, or even camera-equipped AirPods could work well when paired with a phone in a user’s pocket.
He also suggested OpenAI may develop AI glasses or a sensor-rich pen to bypass Apple’s strict privacy controls on iPhones.
The Apple Car That Got Away
Fadell reserved some of his sharpest criticism for Apple’s canceled car project. He revealed that Steve Jobs once envisioned a people-focused vehicle that could redefine urban mobility. However, Apple instead pursued a self-driving SUV concept, which Fadell said missed the point.
In his view, Apple should have reimagined transportation itself, much like it reshaped music and publishing.
A Voice Apple Still Can’t Ignore
While Fadell no longer influences Apple’s decisions, his comments reflect broader industry concerns. As Apple faces growing competition in AI, his warning highlights the risks of hype over substance—and the cost of abandoning bold ideas too soon.
