Paytm CEO predicts AI agents will replace apps by 2027

The prediction

Paytm founder and CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma has predicted that AI agents will replace apps as the primary way users interact with computing by 2027. According to YourStory, Sharma outlined this vision in a post on X, describing a shift from tapping screens and clicking software to relying on hyper-capable personal assistants integrated into device operating systems.

Sharma wrote that by the end of 2026, "super-capable AI assistants" will emerge as irresistibly effective at performing tasks currently done on phones and computers. He compared the upcoming rush to launch AI agents to the early days of the internet and mobile-internet, when businesses scrambled to build websites and apps.

OS-level integration

Sharma expects major operating systems to open access for third-party AI agents, much like how apps gained system-level permissions. He specifically noted that Apple would likely allow trusted agents to access OS functions, similar to how apps currently manage calling or spam filtering. Android, he added, would need to provide third-party agents the same level of integration as Google’s Gemini.

This shift could reduce reliance on traditional app grids, as users delegate multi-step workflows to AI agents instead of switching between software programs.

Broader implications for user identity

Sharma also foresees a fundamental change in how users are identified. According to the report, he suggested that personal AI agents will interact with other agents in an "agentic world," much like phone numbers, emails, or social handles serve as identifiers today.

He described 2027 as the year of "massification" of AI, with 2026 marking the point where machines generating code surpass human programmers. Sharma also framed this as the beginning of a journey toward artificial general intelligence (AGI).

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

Sharma’s prediction signals a potential inflection point for startups and operators, particularly those building consumer-facing tools or workflow solutions. If AI agents become the default interface, the app economy could see disruption similar to the shift from desktop to mobile. Founders may need to rethink their product strategy—less about standalone apps, more about creating or integrating with agent-driven ecosystems.

For investors, this timeline (2026-2027) suggests a window to back startups experimenting with AI agents, especially those targeting enterprise workflows or OS-level integrations. However, the success of this vision hinges on how quickly platforms like Apple and Android open up their systems to third-party agents, which remains an unproven variable.

Key takeaways

• Founders and operators should monitor OS-level integration of AI agents, as this could reshape user interaction models and app development.
• The predicted shift toward AI agents may create opportunities for startups to build or adapt to agent-driven workflows, particularly in fintech, productivity, and enterprise software.
• Businesses may need to prepare for a landscape where AI agents handle multi-step tasks, reducing reliance on traditional apps and interfaces.
• The timeline for mass adoption (2027) signals a near-term need for startups to experiment with AI agent prototypes or partnerships.