Last week, I got my phone stolen. Now, seven days later, I've realized how reliant we are on our devices.

My phone was my wallet, my banking, and my way of staying connected – just like it is for millions of people around the world. Earlier this year, Apple released its iPhone 13, which saw 14% higher sales than its predecessor, the iPhone 12.

The success of the new device might seem surprising, as the enthusiasm around the new model was lacking when it was revealed. The design was nearly identical to the previous phone, with the exception of a few new color options, but it seems as if the Apple effect shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon.

The technology giant has managed to create a culture of FOMO by constantly tweaking and upgrading its devices, whether it is a cellphone, AirPods, or MacBook computers. With each new release, there's always something new, and that's why millions of units sell immediately after their drop.

Now, Apple is also gearing up to bring a new device to the market that could replace the iPhone in less than a decade.

The new device is based on augmented reality, similar to that of Oculus and the Microsoft HoloLens. Basically, the device is expected to be a pair of glasses that let you tweak your surroundings.

According to industry insider Ming-Chi Kuo, the device will make the iPhone obsolete in 10 years. “If Apple’s goal is to replace the iPhone with AR in 10 years, it means Apple will sell at least one billion AR devices in 10 years,” Kuo told the New York Post.

Mark Zuckerberg has previously mentioned that he sees AR as the natural successor to the mobile, and with the Metaverse creeping closer, Apple's first goggles are reportedly seeing an early launch as soon as next year.

In a world that is becoming increasingly digital, our phone is our access to everything. Soon, we won't even need it, if the experts are correct.