IDC FutureScape: Worldwide Connected Devices 2024 Predictions

IDC FutureScape Figure

• Figure: IDC FutureScape: Worldwide Connected Devices 2024 Top 10 Predictions

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

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• Related Research