Low Innovation in iPhones Pushing Apple Toward IoT and Smart Home Devices in 2025

As we move further into 2025, Apple appears to be shifting its focus toward the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart home devices, signalling a strategic move away from the stagnating innovation in its flagship iPhone lineup. While the company remains a leader in smartphone technology, there’s growing speculation that Apple’s traditional focus on iPhone upgrades may be losing steam.

The iPhone: Evolution, Not Revolution

According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple’s 2025 plans for its iPhone lineup hint at incremental rather than groundbreaking improvements. Rumoured updates to the upcoming iPhone 17 series include thinner designs, improved in-house silicon (A19 chip), and minor camera enhancements. A new “iPhone Air” model is said to debut as the thinnest iPhone ever, but it leans heavily on design rather than introducing revolutionary features.

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Even the iPhone SE, poised for an overdue refresh, will shed its outdated home button in favour of Face ID and a modern design. While these updates are welcome, they lack the disruptive innovations that once defined Apple’s approach.

This gradual evolution reflects a broader trend: the plateauing of smartphone innovation. With features like 5G, high-resolution cameras, and advanced chips already ubiquitous, Apple seems to be exploring new growth avenues beyond the iPhone.

Low Innovation in iPhones Pushing Apple Toward Smart Home Devices in 2025

Recognizing the limitations of its flagship product, Apple is intensifying efforts in the smart home and IoT space. A centrepiece of this strategy is a smart home hub featuring a 7-inch display, which could act as the control centre for connected devices. Designed to integrate with HomeKit, this hub will manage tasks, support video calls, and enhance Siri’s capabilities.

Apple’s push into smart home devices also includes updates to the HomePod mini and Apple TV, aiming to create a seamless ecosystem for users. This ecosystem could serve as a gateway for consumers to adopt Apple’s smart home solutions, solidifying its presence in a market dominated by Amazon Alexa and Google Nest.

Health and Wearables: Expanding Horizons

Apple’s wearables and health technology are set to receive significant upgrades, further diversifying its product lineup. The Apple Watch Ultra 3, for instance, may introduce satellite connectivity and high-blood-pressure monitoring, features aimed at health-conscious consumers and outdoor enthusiasts. Similarly, advancements in AirPods could transform them into multifunctional health tools, integrating sensors for fitness tracking and wellness monitoring.

Beyond Hardware: A Vision for the Future

Apple’s 2025 roadmap also reflects its ambitions in augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR). While the Vision Pro headset may not see an update this year, the company is reportedly working on a more affordable version, alongside AR glasses inspired by Meta’s Ray-Ban smart eyewear. These ventures underscore Apple’s commitment to creating new revenue streams and exploring the convergence of hardware, software, and immersive technology.

Final Thoughts

As smartphone innovation reaches a saturation point, Apple is wisely pivoting toward IoT, health, and AR/VR technologies to sustain its growth. The rumoured product updates for 2025 emphasize thin designs, incremental improvements, and a broader focus on creating a connected ecosystem. This shift not only diversifies Apple’s portfolio but also positions the company as a leader in emerging tech markets, ensuring its relevance in a rapidly evolving industry.