IBM’s Simon, released in 1994, holds the distinction of being the first-ever smartphone. It offered consumers a touchscreen experience that incorporated apps for the first time.
From the early 2000s and onward, smartphone technology has advanced rapidly. Mobile phones have transformed from basic communication tools into powerful pocket computers capable of streaming videos, capturing high-quality images, and contributing to the remarkable growth of the gaming industry.
In recent years, smartphone technology has become increasingly sophisticated, with in-screen fingerprint sensors, facial recognition, and some models even boasting the ability to create holographic photos and videos.
According to a report by Deloitte, by the end of 2023, smartphone penetration among adults in developed nations is expected to exceed 90 percent, while global smartphone sales are projected to reach a staggering 1.85 billion units annually.
The progression of mobile technology is expected to receive a significant boost from 5G and 6G advancements. These innovative technologies enable lightning-fast data transfers with minimal latency, opening doors for various innovations. The following are some potential capabilities of the next generation of mobile technology.
1. No Ports
Wireless charging has come a long way. Despite this, for many people, it is still not practical enough to rely on day in, day out.
As wireless charging speeds continue to see remarkable advancements year after year, it is increasingly probable that charging cables will become obsolete within the next few years.
Rather than needing to leave handsets plugged in for hours to get a full charge, fast wireless charging will enable smartphone owners to simply put their device down for 15 minutes or so and get all the charge they need. Meanwhile, wired headphones have experienced a consistent decline in popularity, leading to a shift towards eliminating all ports in smartphone design. Ports are often considered the Achilles’ heel of smartphones as they can easily become dirty or damaged, frequently resulting in malfunctions and disruptions to the device’s functionality.
2. Artificial Intelligence
AI is already an increasingly common component in daily life, and experts predict that over the next 10 years, it will grow to play an even bigger role, particularly in mobile technology.
AI is already a key feature in smartphones, powering voice assistants, augmented reality, real-time language translation, and camera technology. Future devices are predicted to get even smarter.
Smartphone AI of the future could make more complex decisions, as well as serve as a hub for smart devices such as home automation, entertainment, or connected cars. Furthermore, technological innovations could propel the digital assistant experience to new heights, with interfaces capable of making personalized recommendations and booking restaurant reservations, efficiently organizing purchases, narrating bedtime stories for children, and even recognizing the user’s emotions. These advanced assistants might offer advice when users feel overwhelmed and uplift their spirits during moments of sadness.
3. Educational Tools
Today, more than 1 in 3 school-age children own a mobile phone. Tracking the rate of growth and analyzing mobile phone statistics over time, many experts believe that mobile phones will change the way we teach and learn.
Education authorities around the world are already using text messages to alert parents of truancy and notify students of classroom changes. Harnessing the multifunctional nature of smartphones as both teaching and learning aids could make life easier for teachers and students alike, particularly with high-quality camera phones becoming more affordable and available. Many suggest that smartphones will increasingly be used to take photos and notes on field trips, culminating in a more active and informal approach to learning.
4. Security and Privacy
As smartphones become the central hub of people’s digital lives, they become prime targets for cybercriminals. Given that mobile phones store a plethora of personal and business information, safeguarding the devices, the apps they run, and the connections they make becomes paramount in terms of security.
It is no surprise then that privacy is topping the list of smartphone trends for 2023 and beyond. Multifactor authentication to access mobile devices, incorporating a combination of a PIN or password, a hardware or smartcard key, and a biometric signal, are becoming increasingly important in preventing bad players from accessing mobile digital assets.
5. Smart Glasses
Some experts believe that over the course of the next decade, handheld smartphones may be replaced by smart eyeglasses. Several mobile tech manufacturers have already ventured into this territory, although Google Glass failed to find favor, deemed by many to be too rudimentary and strange looking. More recent attempts from companies like Focal still rely heavily on mobile phones for much of their functionality. Nonetheless, Meta, the reimagination of Facebook, remains dedicated to exploring the concept, while rumors persist that Apple is also in the process of developing its own line of mixed reality eyewear.