Tech never stands still, and 2025 promises to be another groundbreaking year. From smarter AI assistants to flexible displays and eco-friendly designs, smartphone manufacturers are driving innovations to transform how we interact with our devices.

94% of Brits already own one and rack up almost 4 hours of screen time per day. However, we could see smartphones become even more integrated into our lives. Here’s a round-up of what to expect in the next 12 months.  

More artificial intelligence (AI)

AI will continue to be a key theme of smartphone innovation in 2025. LLM-powered voice assistants should make existing applications such as Apple’s Siri more natural, while Google’s Gemini has merged with Android, Apple’s main rival.         

More subtle AI-powered evolutions will include battery and storage optimisation and enhanced camera functionality. It may also help deliver real-time language translation during calls and messages, easing communication even further.

Evolving displays

Manufacturers will also push boundaries with their screen designs. Foldable phones will become more practical, while rollable displays – where the screen expands or retracts based on your needs –could give you a tablet experience when required.

You’ll also see advancements in display quality, including higher refresh rates and better high dynamic range (HDR) support. Eye health is another priority; expect adaptive brightness and colour temperature settings that reduce strain.

Enhanced connectivity

5G has been around for years now, but 2025 should see it move closer to fulfilling its potential. Faster, more reliable networks across the UK will unlock new possibilities, from cloud gaming to lag-free video calls.

Plus, as increasing devices in your life connect to the internet, your smartphone will act as the hub, seamlessly managing everything from your smart home to wearables.

Sustainable materials and designs

E-waste has become a serious problem for our environment, with millions of electronic devices discarded every year. Smartphone brands are stepping up by using more sustainable practices throughout their product lifecycles, including manufacturing from recycled materials.  

We’ll hopefully see modular designs become widespread too, allowing you to replace parts like the battery or camera instead of buying a whole new phone.

Advances in mobile gaming

Even though mobile gaming overtook consoles in popularity years ago, new smartphones will offer experiences closer to them than ever before. Hardware improvements including improved displays and graphics processing units (GPUs) are on their way, promising lifelike visuals.

Casual gaming such as mobile slots will also thrive as developers take advantage of this power to create better looking interactive experiences. Cloud gaming, meanwhile, will grow more viable thanks to faster connectivity and powerful processors, enabling you to stream major titles without downloading.

Are you due an upgrade? With these innovations and many more on the way, your next device could blow your current handset out of the water.