IDC FutureScape: Worldwide Connected Devices 2024 Predictions

This IDC study provides IDC's top 10 predictions for connected devices."The number and diversity of connected devices deployed inside companies continue to accelerate," said Tom Mainelli, GVP of Devices and Consumer Research at IDC. "Today's employees have access to more technology than ever before, and it's key that IT stays ahead of the curve in terms of what comes next. We've designed this IDC FutureScape to help you do that."

IDC FutureScape Figure

Executive Summary

IDC FutureScape Predictions

• Summary of External Drivers
• Predictions: Impact on Technology Buyers
  • Prediction 1: By 2025, Nearly 20% of All Business Smartphone Deployments Will Be Certified Pre-Owned as IT Works to Lower Costs and Reduce Its Carbon Footprint Through Sustainability
    • Associated Drivers
    • IT Impact
    • Guidance
  • Prediction 2: By 2025, 55% of Companies Using VR Products Will Shift Toward Mixed Reality Headsets to Improve Training, Onboarding, and Collaboration
    • Associated Drivers
    • IT Impact
    • Guidance
  • Prediction 3: By 2026, CL Smartphones Will Account for 60% of All New Business Use Smartphone Deployments in the Enterprise, Streamlining Mobile Deployment and Management Efforts While Increasing Mobile Security
    • Associated Drivers
    • IT Impact
    • Guidance
  • Prediction 4: By 2026, 20% of Large Enterprises Will Deploy Cellular-Enabled Notebooks to Some Part of Their Workforce to Drive Enhanced Productivity and Improved Security
    • Associated Drivers
    • IT Impact
    • Guidance
  • Prediction 5: By the End of 2026, 80% of New PCs Shipped for Commercial Use Will Include AI-Specific Silicon Designed to Run LLMs Locally to Drive Productivity, Decrease Latency, Maintain Data Security, and Lower Costs
    • Associated Drivers
    • IT Impact
    • Guidance
  • Prediction 6: In 2027, More than 30% of Daily Interactions With Smart Office Devices and Services Will Be Performed by AI Without Human Intervention
    • Associated Drivers
    • IT Impact
    • Guidance
  • Prediction 7: By 2027, Many Large Enterprises Will Deploy More Virtual Desktops/Cloud PCs than Traditional "Fat Client" PCs to New Hires
    • Associated Drivers
    • IT Impact
    • Guidance
  • Prediction 8: By 2027, One in Three New Rugged Mobile Device Deployments Will Be in the Service of New AI-Based Apps and Capabilities Designed to Enhance the Productivity of Frontline Workers
    • Associated Drivers
    • IT Impact
    • Guidance
  • Prediction 9: By 2028, 20% of Frontline Workers Who Previously Used Rugged Handhelds Will Switch to Rugged AR Smart Glasses, Increasing Productivity, Workflow Efficiency, and Worker Safety
    • Associated Drivers
    • IT Impact
    • Guidance
  • Prediction 10: By 2028, 10% of Large Enterprises Will Have Deployed Modular Notebooks to Their Workforce, Enhancing End-User Satisfaction While Driving Better Sustainability
    • Associated Drivers
    • IT Impact
    • Guidance

Advice for Technology Buyers

External Drivers: Detail

• AI Everywhere - Generative AI Takes the Spotlight
• The Drive to Automate - Maximizing Efficiency and New Opportunities
• Economic Uncertainty - IT Malaise and Market Volatility
• Global Supply Chain Resiliency - Push for Diversification
• The Digital Business Imperative - Competitiveness and Outcomes
• Dynamic Work and Skills Requirements - New Work Mode Era
• Operationalization of ESG - Measuring and Implementing Sustainability

Learn More

• Related Research