By Ernst Wittmann, TCL Regional Manager for Southern & East Africa and Global Operator Account Manager for Africa
Smartphone technology innovation may have appeared to have slowed down, but the telecoms industry is working on some exciting breakthroughs.
From the rollout of 6G networks that promise lightning-fast speeds to generative AI features that reshape the way we connect, create, and communicate, we can expect the smartphone of 2030 to look vastly different to today’s models.
Here are some trends to look out for:
The shift to 6G
The migration to 5G is in its relatively early stages in most parts of the world, but the telecoms industry is already thinking about what comes next. We can expect to see 6G, the next version of the GSM standard, start to roll out from around 2030. 6G is expected to deliver theoretical top speeds of 1 terabit per second or 50 times more than 5G (in real world settings the speeds may be lower). It will also allow ultralow latency—perhaps under a millisecond. This level of performance will open new doors for augmented reality, virtual reality, artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things applications.
Sustainable design
Green technology and environmental sustainability are top of mind for smartphone manufacturers. As the world strives for net-zero emissions, handset makers are incorporating recyclable materials, modular components and energy-efficient technologies into smartphone designs. Smartphones are increasingly designed to be repaired and upgraded easily to reduce electronic waste. Most manufacturers are also striving to eliminate plastic from packaging and to make it easy for smartphones to recycled.
Satellite-to-device connectivity
Satellite-to-device connectivity is starting to appear on higher end phones. It allows you to receive a satellite connection directly on your smartphone without needing special equipment. For now, you can send an emergency SOS by text. In future, this feature may be available on most mainstream devices and enable you to browse the internet or make calls. That means you’ll be able to communicate easily from remote parts of the world where is no cellular infrastructure.
Massive battery life improvements
Over the next few years, we can expect to see massive technology breakthroughs that allow for faster charging and better battery life. Alternatives to lithium-ion batteries such as solid-state batteries, nanowire and materials like graphene mean that we’ll no longer need to worry about running out of smartphone power in the middle of the day. Solid-state batteries are especially promising. They would provide days of power on a single charge and have much better longevity than lithium-ion batteries. We are still a few years away from seeing them in our devices, however.
Innovative form factors
Foldable and rollable screens are evolving fast, offering enhanced portability and more real estate on your screen for media and apps. In years to come, we may see large display smartphones that can be folded or rolled into a tiny device you can keep in your back pocket or wear on your wrist. Smartphone manufacturers and working hard to resolve the current issues with battery life and vulnerability to dust, scratching, dents and creases.
On-device generative AI and other AI advances
The integration of on-device generative AI (GenAI) represents a leap forward for smartphones. Using specialised neural processing units (NPUs), smartphones will handle tasks like real-time text-to-image generation, large language models (LLMs) inferencing, and enhanced personalised experiences—all without relying on cloud servers. This ensures faster responses, better privacy, and reduced latency. Additionally, manufacturers are embedding generative AI into next-generation operating systems. By 2025, generative AI capabilities will be a common feature on premium smartphones. Soon, the tech will also be present on entry-level and mid-range devices.