Wearables and IoT rise, but smartphones remain the central hub of connectivity
Despite rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and wearable technology, smartphones remain central to modern digital life. According to Ernst Wittmann, Regional Manager at TCL for Southern and East Africa, smartphones are far from obsolete; instead, they are more essential than ever. With 84% of adults in developing countries owning one, smartphones remain the most widely adopted consumer technology.
Their versatility allows them to integrate communication, connectivity (cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC), AI processing, and data management into a single device. Smartphones act as control hubs for smart homes, connected cars, wearables, and AI-powered services, serving as the digital dashboard for everyday life.
While wearables and IoT devices continue to grow, they largely depend on smartphones for setup, data analysis, and operation. As technology evolves, smartphones are expected to maintain — and even strengthen — their role at the center of our increasingly connected ecosystems.
