Future of Computing in 2025: Top 6 innovations shaping tomorrow’s tech

From spatial computing breakthroughs to next-generation chips, the future of computing in 2025 is brimming with innovations that will impact how we live, work, and play. Leading tech companies worldwide are pushing performance boundaries and delivering ever-more immersive user experiences, fuelling a wave of breakthroughs across gaming, education, healthcare, and beyond.

Read on to see how new architectures, forward-thinking collaborations, and government initiatives are driving computing into 2025 and shaping a connected, tech-driven future.

1) Spatial computing to grow

Spatial computing is poised for significant advancements through 2025 and beyond, integrating digital and physical environments to create immersive experiences. The global spatial computing market, valued at $102.5 billion in 2022, is projected to grow at a rate of 20.4% from 2023 to 2030, driven by increasing demand for immersive experiences and technological advancements. In 2024, Apple introduced the Vision Pro headset, marking a pivotal moment in spatial computing by combining augmented and virtual reality capabilities.

Similarly, Meta’s development of the Orion smart glasses aims to replace traditional devices, offering real-time translation and other AI-driven features. The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) with spatial computing is expected to enhance user experiences, enabling more intuitive interactions and personalized content.

Also read: Mixed reality in 2024: Best smart glasses, AR-XR headsets that made a mark

Gartner identifies spatial computing as a top strategic technology trend for 2025, emphasizing its potential to digitally enhance the physical world using technologies like augmented and virtual reality. As these technologies evolve, they are anticipated to transform sectors such as gaming, education, healthcare, and retail, offering more immersive and interactive experiences.

2) Quantum computing evolution

Quantum computing is poised for significant advancements through 2025, with several key developments anticipated. Leading companies are expected to enhance their quantum processors. IBM plans to release its 1,121-qubit “Condor” processor in 2023, followed by the 1,386+ qubit “Flamingo” in 2024, and the 4,158+ qubit “Kookaburra” in 2025. Advancements in quantum error correction are anticipated, with companies like Rigetti Computing making significant progress in this area.

Collaborations between tech giants are expected to lead to the launch of commercial quantum computers. For instance, Microsoft and Atom Computing plan to introduce a commercial quantum computer in 2025. IBM aims to demonstrate the first quantum-centric supercomputer by 2025, integrating modular processors, middleware, and quantum communication.

Also read: PQC encryption standardised: How they secure our digital future in quantum computing era

While Intel is pursuing massive performance with silicon transistor-based quantum computing, as well as entirely new switches for massively energy-efficient computing with novel room temperature devices, Google’s team is working to bring quantum error-correction beyond the theoretical to the practical, unlocking a clear path to large-scale useful quantum computers.

3) Rise of ARM computing

The ARM architecture is projected to experience significant growth through 2025, expanding its influence beyond mobile devices into personal computing and data centres. In the PC market, ARM-based laptops are expected to constitute 21% of global shipments by 2025, driven by Apple’s successful transition to ARM-based silicon and the development of ARM-powered Windows devices.

Also read: The ARM processors’ enterprise boom

In data centres, ARM’s penetration is anticipated to reach 22% by 2025, as major cloud service providers adopt ARM-based servers for their energy efficiency and scalability. Additionally, ARM’s market share in the Internet of Things (IoT) and embedded computing sectors is projected to grow, building on its existing 65% share as of 2022. These developments underscore ARM’s expanding role across diverse technology markets, positioning it as a key player in the evolving computing landscape.

4) x86 fights back

In October 2024, Intel and AMD, traditionally fierce competitors in the semiconductor industry, announced the formation of the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group. This unprecedented collaboration aims to accelerate innovation within the x86 architecture, which has been foundational to computing for over four decades. The alliance is a strategic response to the increasing adoption of ARM-based processors in laptops, desktops, and servers — a trend that poses a significant challenge to x86’s market dominance.

Also read: Intel-AMD join forces, as x86 fights the rise of ARM

The advisory group includes not only Intel and AMD but also major industry players such as Broadcom, Dell Technologies, Google, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Lenovo, Microsoft, Oracle, and Red Hat. This broad coalition underscores the industry’s commitment to ensuring the x86 architecture remains competitive and relevant. By fostering collaboration among hardware and software developers, the group aims to standardize and enhance x86 implementations, thereby simplifying software development and ensuring interoperability.

Looking ahead to 2025, this collaboration is expected to yield significant advancements in x86 technology, enhancing performance and energy efficiency to better compete with ARM’s offerings. Users can anticipate more robust and efficient x86-based devices, as Intel and AMD’s combined efforts aim to preserve x86’s dominance in the computing industry.

5) India’s chip manufacturing aspirations

India’s semiconductor industry is poised for significant growth through 2025, driven by substantial investments and strategic initiatives. The Indian government has launched the Semiconductor Mission, allocating $10 billion to attract global semiconductor manufacturers and establish a robust domestic ecosystem. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on imports and position India as a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain. Collectively, these efforts underscore India’s commitment to becoming a significant contributor to the global semiconductor industry by 2025.

Also read: AI chips and Indian innovation: Insights from Tessolve CEO Srini Chinamilli

The Tata Group is establishing a semiconductor assembly and test facility in Assam, with operations expected to commence by mid-2025. This facility aims to produce 48 million chips daily, catering to sectors such as automotive, consumer electronics, and telecommunications. Additionally, Micron Technology is developing an assembly and test plant in Gujarat, projected to be operational by early 2025. This facility will feature 500,000 square feet of clean room space dedicated to advanced packaging and testing operations. These developments are expected to create over 300,000 jobs by 2026, spanning roles in engineering, software development, testing, and operations.

6) Beyond 3nm chips

The semiconductor industry is advancing beyond the 3nm process node, with significant developments anticipated through 2025. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has outlined its roadmap, planning to commence production of its 2nm process, known as N2, in 2025. This node is expected to employ gate-all-around (GAA) transistor architecture, enhancing performance and energy efficiency.

Intel is also progressing toward sub-3nm technologies. The company has announced its Intel 20A and 18A nodes, with Intel 20A slated for production in 2024 and Intel 18A in 2025. These nodes will introduce RibbonFET transistors and PowerVia backside power delivery, aiming to improve transistor performance and power efficiency.

Samsung has been a pioneer in GAA technology, initiating mass production of its 3nm GAA process in mid-2022. The company plans to further refine this technology for nodes beyond 3nm, focusing on enhancing transistor performance and reducing power consumption. These advancements are expected to drive innovation across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and mobile devices, by delivering more powerful and energy-efficient chips.