Deutsche Telekom Unveils "App-less" AI Phone Powered by Perplexity at MWC 2025

Deutsche Telekom debuted its highly anticipated AI Phone at Mobile World Congress 2025, cementing its vision of a smartphone revolution—one without traditional apps. The device, built around a conversational interface called Magenta AI, relies on advanced large language models powered primarily through a partnership with Perplexity.

The idea is simple yet transformative: users speak, type, or invoke AI-friendly controls, and the AI handles the task—be it booking a cab, sending emails, drafting texts, restroom reservations, or translating in real-time—all without jumping between apps. Claudia Nemat, Deutsche Telekom's board member for innovation, declared at MWC: "The days of the confusing app jungle are over."

Although Perplexity powers the core experience, DT plans to embed AI tools from Google Cloud AI, ElevenLabs (for conversational voices), and Picsart (for creative image edits) into the experience this summer.

Hardware specifics remain under wraps, but the early concept appeared as a mid-range Android device, expected to sell in Europe later this year for under US$1,000. It will boot directly into the "Magenta AI" interface, drawing attention across the telecom industry about the broader strategic shift toward AI-first platforms.

Users not purchasing the AI Phone can still access Magenta AI via the MeinMagenta app—highlighting DT's objective to democratize AI-assisted interfaces across its subscriber base.

Deutsche Telekom cites this launch as a stepping stone toward broader AI-integrated services, with intentions to incorporate AI into networks, devices, and B2B services alike. CEO Tim Höttges previously predicted that "in 5–10 years nobody will use apps anymore," positioning this initiative as a cornerstone of that future.