Why Tech Exec Keith Rabois Ditched His Laptop for Mobile Devices

Keith Rabois, a Managing Director at Khosla Ventures and former executive at Stripe and Square, has completely abandoned the use of laptops and desktop computers in favor of mobile devices. In an interview with Lenny’s Podcast, Rabois stated that his professional and personal operations are conducted exclusively via an iPhone, an iPad, and a smartwatch.

The transition away from traditional computing began in September 2010. Rabois noted that during his time at Square, then-CEO Jack Dorsey was managing the company using an iPad, which prompted Rabois to make a similar conversion.

A Shift Toward Mobile Productivity

Rabois has maintained this mobile-centric workflow for more than 15 years. He argued that smaller devices are more portable and provide fewer distractions than traditional computers. He stated that there is no reason to use a more powerful, heavier-weight, less flexible machine when a laptop can be carried easily but is still less flexible than a mobile device.

This philosophy was documented as early as 2010 on the platform then known as Twitter (now X), where Rabois described his use of the iPhone as a persistent computer, not as a ‘phone.’

I haven’t used a computer since 2010. (Other than booking Barry’s workouts before they released an app last month.)

Keith Rabois, via X on November 9, 2018

The Rise of Mobile Coding and AI

Rabois’s personal preference aligns with a broader shift within Silicon Valley, where some developers and executives are rethinking their reliance on desk-bound setups. This trend is being accelerated by a wave of artificial intelligence tools that move more software development work onto mobile devices.

One such development is the emergence of vibe coding applications, which allow users to build software by prompting AI. This shift is reflected in recent investment activity, such as the $9.4 million in seed funding provided by Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian for Vibecode. Vibecode is an iOS application that enables users to create new software features directly on an iPhone.

The prevalence of coding from mobile devices suggests a shift in engineering work habits. This evolution indicates that mobile technology is increasingly reshaping productivity and software development practices across the tech industry.

Market Contrast and Hardware Trends

Despite the movement toward mobile-first workflows among some high-profile tech figures, traditional computers continue to hold a dominant position in the global market. The scale of this demand is evident in Apple’s financial reporting.

Apple reported that Mac sales generated $8.39 billion in revenue during the first quarter of 2026, indicating that the majority of professional and consumer users still rely on laptops and desktops for their primary computing needs.

Executive Background

Keith Rabois has held numerous high-level positions within the technology and venture capital sectors. He is a member of the PayPal mafia, a group of former PayPal employees and executives who went on to found or lead other major tech companies.

His professional history includes roles as:

• Managing Director at Khosla Ventures
• Former COO of Stripe
• Former COO of Square
• Former Vice President at LinkedIn
• Former partner at Founders Fund

In addition to his executive roles, Rabois has been an early investor in several prominent companies, including Airbnb, DoorDash, YouTube, Ramp, and Palantir.