IoT in 2025: Exploring Common IoT Applications in Everyday Life, along with statistical data and emerging trends in the Internet of Things industry.
In the rapidly evolving world of technology, the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to be a game-changer. Here's a glimpse into the top IoT trends expected to dominate the landscape in 2025.
The Internet of Things, a network of interconnected devices, is set to expand significantly, with the number of connected devices projected to reach a staggering 21 billion by 2021, according to Gartner reports. This growth will be driven by the widespread adoption of IoT for sustainability, expansion of 5G connectivity, growth of edge computing, integration of AI and analytics, and diverse applications across sectors.
- Sustainability: Businesses and cities will increasingly use IoT tools to reduce energy consumption, manage waste, and monitor carbon emissions. Devices like air quality monitors, smart energy meters, and irrigation systems will become commonplace.
- 5G Connectivity: The global rollout of 5G networks will enable ultra-reliable, low-latency communication, supporting real-time IoT applications and massive device density. This advancement will enhance the scalability and reliability of IoT across sectors.
- Edge Computing and Decentralization: Processing data closer to where it is generated will continue to increase, reducing latency and bandwidth use. Edge orchestration platforms are becoming common, especially in industrial scenarios. Edge AI and on-device processing also improve privacy and resilience.
- AI Integration: AI is increasingly embedded into IoT systems to enable smart analytics, predictive maintenance, and autonomous decision-making. This integration will further drive digital transformation in industries.
- Broad Sector Applications: IoT deployments are broadening in scope, with projects in smart homes, smart farming, health monitoring, smart retail, smart city infrastructure, smart parking, and more. These demonstrate the growing integration of IoT into daily life and business operations.
These trends are underpinned by cheaper sensors, enhanced connectivity technologies, and growing regulatory emphasis on data privacy and sustainable practices.
In addition to these trends, IoT will also play a significant role in various industries. For instance, in 2025, IoT will be used in warehouses to manage inventory and notify about out-of-stock items. In the healthcare industry, IoT-enabled devices such as glucose monitors, electronic skin patches, connected inhalers, and smartwatches will continue to improve overall healthcare and reduce costs.
The entertainment industry will also see the expansion of IoT technology, providing insights on viewer behavior and creating better platforms. In the retail industry, IoT will ensure better personalization and integration of retail. IoT devices will help homeowners predict and prevent issues such as plumbing leaks, appliance failures, and electrical issues.
Moreover, home insurance companies are incorporating smart sensors and connected devices to monitor homes proactively and offer lower premiums. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) like AT&T, Cox Internet, Frontier, Mediacom, and Xfinity may integrate apps to help homeowners control smart home devices.
Lastly, smart cities will invest in state-of-the-art data exchanges, providing access to data between private and public organizations and citizens. The global market for IoT is forecasted to reach $1.11 trillion by 2026, a significant increase from its 2018 value of $190 billion.
In sum, 2025’s top IoT trends center on sustainability, 5G-driven connectivity, edge computing with decentralized identity, AI integration, and broad sector applications, transforming how businesses and societies operate while addressing energy and environmental concerns.
- Sustainability and Energy Optimization: As the number of connected devices continues to grow, businesses and homeowners will rely on IoT-driven technology to optimize energy consumption, reduce waste, and manage carbon emissions, enhancing sustainability efforts.
- 5G-Enabled IoT Devices: The widespread implementation of 5G networks in 2025 will empower various IoT devices with ultra-reliable, low-latency communication, enabling more real-time and interactive applications, thus expanding the scope of IoT across numerous sectors.