United Kingdom, March 7 -- Tim Cook believes the era of the smartphone is far from over.

The Apple boss has declared the iPhone is here to stay following the release of the latest incarnation - the 16e - last month which came 18 years after the first model hit the market with Cook insisting the gadgets will be around for a long time to come before they are eventually replaced.

When asked if smart phones will be succeeded by an "AI device", Cook told Wired UK: "We see the smartphone lasting a very long time. There will be more innovation.

"And obviously you look at the first iPhone that shipped versus the iPhone 16, they're totally different, right."

Cook went on to insist Apple will be remembered for "delivering great products that ch...