Latest Mobile Trends: AI, 5G, Foldables, AR/VR & Wearables

In 2024–2025 the mobile industry rebounded strongly after a brief slowdown. Global smartphone shipments climbed to 1.223 billion units in 2024 – a 7.1% year-on-year increase – signaling a return to growth. Leading brands (Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Transsion, Vivo, etc.) accounted for the bulk of sales, with Apple (~225.9M) and Samsung (~222.9M) together shipping nearly half of all phonesomdia.tech.informa.com. Notably, Chinese/OEM makers like Xiaomi (168.6M, +15.4%) and Transsion (Tecno/iTel/Infinix, 106.7M, +15.3%) continued to expand rapidlyomdia.tech.informa.com. Transsion’s growth is driven by emerging markets in Africa and Asia, where budget smartphones are highly in demand.

This surge in hardware sales sets the stage for mobile technology trends on the horizon. In 2025 and beyond, we see five major themes shaping the mobile world: AI-powered phones, 5G connectivity expansion, innovative form factors (foldables, etc.), immersive AR/VR experiences, and wearable/mobile integration. Each of these trends is backed by data and real-world examples: for instance, IDC forecasts “Gen-AI” smartphones (devices with on-device neural processing) will surge 364% in 2024 (to ~234 million units) and rise another 73% in 2025idc.com. The following sections break down these trends with step-by-step analysis, expert insights, and citations to authoritative sources.

1. Global Smartphone Market Rebounds

• Strong Growth: After years of flat or declining sales, worldwide smartphone shipments grew 7.1% in 2024 (to 1.223B units). This marked the fifth consecutive quarter of growth, fueled by new flagship launches and pent-up demand.

• Key Players: Apple reclaimed the top spot with 225.9M phones shipped in 2024 (down 1.4% YoY), while Samsung was a close second with 222.9M (down 1.1%). Both companies continue heavy R&D investment in mobile features (AI chips, cameras, foldables). Rising stars like Xiaomi (+15.4%) and Transsion (+15.3%) are expanding globally, especially in Asia, Africa, and Latin Americaomdia.tech.informa.com.

• Regional Highlights: In Ghana – a representative African market – mobile connections reached 38.95 million in 2024 (about 113% of the population)geopoll.com, showing multi-SIM usage is common. Broadband-enabled mobile connections (3G/4G/5G) now exceed 70% of all Ghanaian SIMs. This indicates growing access: for example, Ghana had 23.4 million mobile-money accounts by 2024, underscoring how smartphones drive finance and commercegeopoll.com. Such regional figures illustrate that mobile trends are truly global.

2. AI-Powered Smartphones Take Center Stage

• Generative AI Integration: 2025 is being hailed as the “year of the AI phone”. Major manufacturers are embedding on-device artificial intelligence in new models. For example, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra ships with “Galaxy AI” features (two generative AI systems on one phonetechradar.com), Apple is introducing Apple Intelligence suite in iOS 18 for iPhones, and Google’s Pixel 10/Pro includes advanced AI for voice and imaging.idc.com

• AI Chipsets and SoCs: Processors are being designed for heavy AI tasks. Qualcomm, Apple, MediaTek and Samsung now offer chips with powerful NPUs (neural processing units). IDC defines GenAI smartphones as having NPUs capable of ~30 trillion operations/sec; e.g. Apple’s A17 Pro, Snapdragon 8 Gen3, Exynos 2400, etc., qualify.. These on-device AI engines enable new features without needing constant cloud access.

• Market Impact: As a result, IDC projects explosive growth in AI smartphones: shipments of Gen-AI phones are expected to reach 234 million in 2024, up 364% from 2023, and further surge ~73% in 2025idc.com. By 2028 about 78% of all smartphones sold will be “AI-enabled” (CAGR ~78.4%). This means new models like the Galaxy S25 Ultra (and our in-depth [review]freditech.com of it) will increasingly emphasize AI features—everything from voice assistants to real-time translation, camera scene understanding, and predictive text.

Real-World AI Examples

• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – Equipped with the custom Snapdragon 8 Elite 3nm chip, it delivers new AI tasks (AI-driven camera modes, “Now Brief” voice summaries, on-device Google Gemini integration) while promising 7 years of OS updatesfreditech.com.

• Apple iPhone 16 Series – All models (16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max) now support Apple Intelligence (e.g. personalized summarization, Siri improvements) in iOS 18freditech.com. Even the base iPhone 16 now offers formerly “Pro-only” features (Action Button, advanced haptics) to enhance the smart experiencefreditech.com.

• Google Pixel 10 – With Google’s Tensor chip, it uses Gemini AI for messaging suggestions, camera editing (“Magic Editor”), and Live Translate. Pixel’s approach shows how AI improves everyday tasks like conversation and photography.

3. 5G and Next-Gen Connectivity

• Global 5G Rollout: Modern smartphones are increasingly 5G-capable, and network coverage is expanding rapidly. Ericsson forecasts global 5G population coverage will reach ~60% by end of 2025, up from 50% in early 2025ericsson.com. In practical terms, this means hundreds of millions more users will have 5G internet access in cities and major areas.

• Regional Gaps: Coverage is uneven. Advanced markets (China, North America, India) already cover 90–95% of their population with 5G. But many regions lag: by end-2025, Africa is expected to have only ~10% 5G coverageericsson.com, reflecting infrastructure and affordability challenges. Latin America and parts of APAC will be around 25–35%. Even so, 5G’s expansion fuels use cases like IoT, smart cities, and mobile broadband.

• Beyond 5G: Telecom research groups are already discussing 6G and enhanced 5G features. However, in 2024–2025 major tech products center on 5G: new flagship phones (e.g. OnePlus 12, iPhone 16) all ship with advanced 5G modems. This enables seamless video streaming, cloud gaming, and fast app downloads on the go. (For example, the OnePlus 12 maintains 5G support alongside Wi-Fi 7 and other latest radiosfreditech.com.)

4. Innovative Form Factors: Foldables, Rollables & More

• Rise of Foldables: Once niche and expensive, foldable smartphones are becoming mainstream trends. Their market is growing rapidly: a 2024 industry report valued the foldable market at $27.79 billion in 2023, projected to hit $74.02B by 2030 (CAGR ~13.5%)grandviewresearch.com. Consumers appreciate the versatility – phones that unfold into tablet-sized screens for gaming or productivity, yet fold compactly.

• Technical Advances: Recent generations have solved many problems. Manufacturers (Samsung, Huawei, Motorola, OPPO, etc.) use durable hinge mechanisms and more resilient plastic-OLED displays. As a result, devices like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 (4.2mm folded thickness, 8-inch inner display) prove thinner and more robust than evertechradar.com. Battery technology, camera modules, and overall performance on foldables now rival standard flagships.

• Affordability & Variety: Prices are gradually falling as the market matures. IDC predicts foldable shipments will grow double digits each year. In Q3 2025, foldable smartphone shipments grew 14% year-on-year, hitting a record quarterly volumecounterpointresearch.com. We expect more models: flip-style (clamshell) phones like the new Motorola Razr or Galaxy Z Flip, as well as book-style foldables (Z Fold, Mate X series).

• Practical Use Cases: Foldables cater to power users. For example, Samsung notes professionals benefit from split-screen multitasking on a big inner display, while others enjoy console-like gaming on a foldable. Early adopters see foldables as status symbols and innovation flags (see our [Galaxy Z Fold 7 review]techradar.com). Even mid-range vendors (Xiaomi, Honor) now offer foldables, indicating broadening appeal.

5. Immersive Mobile Experiences: AR, VR, and Spatial Computing

• Augmented Reality (AR) Growth: Mobile AR is a major trend. The global mobile AR market was $23.2B in 2024 and is projected to grow to $113.6B by 2030 (CAGR ~31.3%)gminsights.com. This includes AR apps on smartphones (not dedicated headsets). Improved hardware (multi-lens cameras, faster processors) and software (ARKit, ARCore) are expanding use cases. By end-2023, ~1.4 billion people used mobile AR apps (up from 810M in 2021), with ~1.7B projected by 2024gminsights.com.

• Practical AR on Phones: Many everyday apps now have AR features. For example, retail apps (IKEA Place, Sephora Visual Artist) let users place virtual furniture or makeup on their actual environment. Navigation apps overlay directions on live camera feeds, and language-learning apps show translations in real time through the camera. Mobile AR is also enhancing education and training: business customers report over 90% productivity gains by using AR for hands-on traininggminsights.com.

• Virtual Reality (VR): While VR headsets still require separate gear (Oculus/Meta Quest, Pico), there is interest in “mobile VR” via smartphone+headset combos. Headset makers (Samsung Gear VR, Google Cardboard in the past) show the idea’s appeal. More broadly, mobile chips (Snapdragon XR) now support VR/AR rendering. The AR/VR headset market is booming (e.g. USD $9.1B in 2024 to projected $51.9B by 2034gminsights.com). Even Apple is rumored to be launching mixed-reality glasses by ~2026. In any case, the smartphone will remain the primary AR/VR “engine” by powering tethered headsets or standalone mobile VR.

6. Wearables & Mobile Ecosystem Integration

• Booming Wearables: Smartphones are increasingly part of an ecosystem that includes smartwatches, earbuds, fitness bands, etc. The global wearables market continues robust growth: in Q2 2025 alone 136.5 million units shipped (up 9.6% YoY). Over 60% of these were ear-worn devices (true wireless earbuds), while smartwatches (basic + advanced) made up ~28% (38.3M units)idc.com.

• Tech Synergy: Wearables and phones connect seamlessly. For example, a new Galaxy Watch (like our [Watch 8 vs. Ultra comparison]freditech.com) syncs health data and notifications with a phone. Apple Watch users rely on iPhones for LTE connectivity and messages. This trend enhances mobile usage: many consumers now expect their phone and watch/headphones to work together out-of-the-box.

• Health & Fitness: Fitness trackers and smartwatches are especially popular. Circana reports fitness tracker spending rose 35% in early 2025 (over 1.3M units sold)circana.com. Our own “Best Smartwatch” guides (Galaxy Watch 8 vs Ultrafreditech.com, Fitbit comparisons, etc.) highlight advanced sensors (ECG, SpO2, sleep tracking) that integrate with phone apps. During COVID-19 and after, interest in health wearables has accelerated, making this a lasting mobile trend.

• New Form Factors: We’re also seeing “hearable” and “glasses” categories emerge. Earbuds like AirPods Pro 2nd Gen (reviewedfreditech.com) offer spatial audio and active noise cancellation, tying into phones via MagSafe or Bluetooth. Smart glasses (e.g. Snap Spectacles, or rumored Apple Glasses) will rely on phones for connectivity and data. The broader point: the “mobile” trend includes all pockets, wrists, and heads.

7. Mobile Internet, Payments, and Services

• Universal Connectivity: The smartphone is now the primary gateway to the internet for most people worldwide. Data from GeoPoll/GSMA shows over 70% of Ghana’s mobile connections were broadband (3G-5G) in 2024geopoll.com. Globally, mobile data traffic keeps doubling, driven by video streaming, social media, and cloud services on phones. This means mobile-friendly web and apps must account for higher speeds (5G) and growing data usage.

• Mobile Payments: In many regions, “mobile money” and digital wallets are exploding. Ghana’s success with MTN Mobile Money and Vodafone Cash (23.4M users)geopoll.com is mirrored elsewhere in Africa and Asia. Even in developed markets, over 2.7 billion people used mobile payment apps in 2024, with global transaction volume hitting ~$8.1 trillion (a ~9.4% annual increase)businessofapps.com. NFC payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay), QR-code wallets, and “super-apps” (WeChat in China, Alipay) are making the phone a comprehensive financial tool. Brands are innovating accordingly: new phones often advertise eSIM support, built-in wallets, and point-of-sale features (contactless reader modes).

• Mobile Gaming & Video: Content consumption on mobile remains huge. The majority of YouTube views, Netflix time, and even cloud gaming now happen on phones. Manufacturers respond with features like bigger screens, high refresh-rate displays, and even hardware controllers (e.g., attachable gamepads). For instance, Samsung’s new phones emphasize 2,600-nit HDR screens and 120Hz refreshfreditech.com to make mobile video and gaming more immersive. Streaming apps are optimizing for mobile (download-offline modes, low-bitrate modes).

• Security & Privacy: As phones become central to payments and health data, security is a must. Biometric unlock (Face ID, under-display fingerprint) and hardware security modules are standard. We see mobile security trends like built-in VPNs, encrypted messaging, and on-device malware protection. Operating systems (iOS, Android) now include privacy dashboards, giving users more control. For example, Apple’s ecosystem touts “Data Privacy” as a feature, while Android 15 (codenamed "Upside Down Cake") is expected to improve personal data protection.

8. Artificial Intelligence in Mobile Services

• Assistant Evolution: Voice and virtual assistants on phones are getting smarter. Siri, Google Assistant, Bixby, Alexa and others are integrating generative AI to answer complex queries, draft messages, and suggest actions. Soon, writing or editing an email could be as simple as a chat with your phone’s AI assistant.

• Photography & Imaging: AI is transforming mobile photography. Modern camera apps use machine learning for scene detection, night mode enhancement, and even real-time background replacement (portrait mode). The Google Pixel’s Magic Editor (move/remove objects) and Samsung’s Object Eraser are examples of AI tools making advanced editing accessible on a phone. Expect future phones to do even more creative tasks – like instantly creating short videos from a series of photos.

• Personalization: AI allows phones to adapt to users. Battery life is extended via predictive brightness and app pausing. The UI might re-arrange apps based on your habits at different times of day. This kind of “digital well-being” and convenience enhancements are subtle but growing features. For instance, Apple’s Focus modes and AI-driven notifications manage distractions.

9. Sustainability and Lifespan

• Longer Support & Repairs: In line with demand for updates, many phones now come with extended software support (7+ years for Samsung flagshipfreditech.com, 5-6 years for Apple iPhones). Repairability is a trend too: some models have easily replaceable batteries and screens, and manufacturers (e.g., Fairphone or more mainstream brands) are offering recycling and trade-in programs.

• Battery Tech: Battery safety and capacity are critical as phones get more powerful. New charging standards (100W wired, 50W wireless) are common in high-end phonesfreditech.com. Simultaneously, AI-driven battery management is improving longevity (for example, Samsung’s power-saving algorithms with 3nm chipsfreditech.com). There is also interest in solid-state batteries (for 2026+) and sustainable materials in phone construction.

• Electronics Waste: With new phones released annually, e-waste is an issue. Mobile trends include “refurbished phone markets” and green devices (like many manufacturers now offer recycling of old devices when you buy new). This fosters a shift toward buying “last year’s flagship at discount” rather than a brand-new model.

10. Top Mobile Trends Step-by-Step

To summarize the above in actionable steps:

1. Embrace AI Features: Manufacturers are integrating generative AI at every step. When choosing a new phone or developing apps, expect built-in voice and image intelligence. Phones will proactively assist (like summarizing text or generating images). For instance, Samsung’s S25 Ultra we reviewed comes with features like real-time voice translation and AI image editingfreditech.com.
2. Upgrade to 5G: If you’re in a city or tech-forward region, upgrading to a 5G phone can future-proof your connectivity. Ericsson predicts 5G will cover ~60% of the world population by end of 2025ericsson.com, improving speeds dramatically. Apps and services (cloud games, AR apps) will assume 5G, so older 4G phones may feel outdated soon.
3. Consider New Form Factors: Try out a foldable or large-screen device if productivity and media are priorities. Foldables let you do more (tablet-like multitasking) on one devicegrandviewresearch.com. Even if you stick with a bar phone, note that many “standard” phones now have huge high-refresh OLED displays for gaming and video (often >6.7 inches, 120Hz+).
4. Stay Secure: With mobile payments and sensitive data on phones, pay attention to security. Always use biometric unlock, update your OS regularly (7-year update plans exist on premium modelsfreditech.com), and use official app stores. Enable features like Find My Device and encrypted backups.
5. Leverage Ecosystem: Integrate wearables and smart devices with your phone. For example, pair a smartwatch (Galaxy Watch 8/Ultrafreditech.com or Apple Watch) to receive calls/messages on the go, and use truly wireless earbuds (AirPods Pro 2freditech.com, Bose QC Ultrafreditech.com) for hands-free audio. This enhances health tracking and convenience as you move between apps and tasks.

Conclusion

The “latest mobile trends” of 2025 reflect a maturing market that’s still innovating rapidly. After a few years of stagnation, global phone sales are up, and device makers are pouring new technology into their products. Artificial intelligence and advanced connectivity (5G/soon 6G) are taking center stage, while new form factors (foldables, wearables) and services (mobile AR, fintech) are expanding what “mobile” means. Together, these trends are reshaping our digital lives: we carry powerful assistants, high-speed internet, and immersive experiences in our pockets.

Staying informed on these trends is crucial for consumers and businesses alike. For example, FrediTech’s reviews of the OnePlus 12 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultrafreditech.com show how flagship phones are delivering speed, AI features, and durable design. Meanwhile, insights into regional markets (e.g. Ghana’s 113% mobile penetrationgeopoll.com and 23.4M mobile-money accountsgeopoll.com) remind us that mobile innovation isn’t just a Western phenomenon.

As the mobile landscape evolves, expect more synergy between smartphones, networks, and services. Whether you’re choosing your next phone or building a mobile strategy, focus on these key areas: AI capabilities, 5G connectivity, versatile form factors, security, and ecosystem integration. By doing so, you’ll be aligned with the cutting-edge of mobile tech.

Author: Wiredu Fred – Founder of FrediTech and technology journalist specializing in mobile innovation and digital trends. Fred is an experienced tech writer and SEO consultant who has authored numerous in-depth reviews and analyses on mobile technology, gadgets, and digital entrepreneurship for FrediTech. His expertise in smartphones, AI, and emerging tech is backed by hands-on testing and industry research.

FAQ (People Also Ask)

Q: What are the most important mobile phone trends in 2025?
A: The biggest trends are AI integration (phones with on-device generative AI), 5G and advanced connectivity, innovative form factors (foldable/flip-screen devices), and AR/VR experiences on mobile. In practice, this means new flagship phones emphasize smart assistants, multi-camera AI features, and high-speed network capabilitiestechradar.comericsson.com.

Q: How many people use smartphones worldwide?
A: As of 2024, IDC reports about 3.1 billion smartphones are in use globallyidc.com. This number is growing, especially as developing regions (Africa, Asia) continue adopting mobile internet. In Ghana alone, mobile connections exceeded the population (113% penetration) in 2024geopoll.com.

Q: Is 5G coverage widely available now?
A: 5G is rolling out fast but unevenly. By end-2025, roughly 60% of the world’s population (outside mainland China) is expected to have 5G coverageericsson.com. High-income countries and urban areas are largely covered, but regions like Africa may only reach ~10% coverage by thenericsson.com. Even without 5G, most countries have robust 4G networks, but phone makers assume 5G moving forward.

Q: Are foldable smartphones worth it?
A: Foldables are becoming more practical each year. They let you have a larger display for multitasking or media, yet fold into a pocketable size. While they’re still more expensive than regular phones, their market is booming (worth ~$27.8B in 2023, projected $74B by 2030grandviewresearch.com). Many users find them valuable for productivity or as status symbols. If you need extra screen space and like trying new tech, a foldable might be worth it.

Q: How do AR and VR work on mobile devices?
A: Augmented Reality (AR) on phones uses the camera and sensors to overlay digital content on the real world (e.g. seeing virtual furniture through your phone’s camera). VR (Virtual Reality) is usually done with a headset, but the smartphone can drive it (like Google Cardboard or Oculus Link). Mobile AR is growing fast: the mobile AR market was $23.2B in 2024 and is expected to jump to $113.6B by 2030gminsights.com. Practical uses include navigation, gaming (Pokémon Go style), and shopping (trying clothes/furniture virtually). Many smartphone apps now include AR features (filters, object placement, gaming).

Q: How are wearables changing mobile usage?
A: Wearables extend the phone’s capabilities to your wrist, ears, or eyes. Smartwatches (Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch) mirror your phone’s notifications and track health, letting you use apps without pulling out your phone. Wireless earbuds (AirPods Pro, Bose QC Ultra) pair instantly for calls and music. In Q2 2025, wearable shipments hit 136.5M (↑9.6%)idc.com, showing strong consumer demand. For example, our Galaxy Watch 8 vs Ultra guidefreditech.com shows how smartwatches now come in rugged (Ultra) or slim (Watch 8) forms to fit different lifestyles, all syncing via your mobile device.

Q: What should I look for in a new phone in 2025?
A: Focus on connectivity (5G), AI features, battery life, and display, plus ecosystem compatibility. If you use many apps or commute, look for a 5G phone with good battery and AI assistants. If you’re on a budget, mid-range phones still offer features like high-refresh AMOLED screens and decent AI processing. Check how many years of updates the manufacturer promises (some flagships now promise up to 7 yearsfreditech.com). Also consider camera quality and whether you need new trends like foldable screens. For brand-specific advice, see reviews (e.g. our [OnePlus 12 review]freditech.com or [iPhone 16 vs 16 Pro comparison]freditech.com) to match features to your needs.