The past year began with ambitious predictions and technological promises that vowed to revolutionize our relationship with the digital world. Now that the year has passed and we are in 2025, it is possible to analyze which of these trends truly became reality and which remained mere ideas.
Trends that became reality
Expansion of 5G and advancements in 6G: 5G, which had been gradually implemented, finally achieved widespread adoption in 2024. With higher speeds and lower latency, 5G has driven the Internet of Things (IoT) and enabled advances in applications such as autonomous cars and smart cities. Additionally, the first practical tests with 6G networks have also begun, promising even more revolutionary speeds for the next decade.
Generative artificial intelligence: Generative AI models, like ChatGPT and others, continue to expand and gain applications in various sectors such as education, healthcare, and entertainment. In 2024, we saw a more responsible and regulated adoption of these tools, with laws ensuring greater transparency in the use of AI for automated decision-making.
Technological sustainability: The technology market has aligned itself with sustainability demands. Hardware companies have launched devices made from recyclable materials, and data centers have invested in renewable energy sources. This trend has solidified as a response to global environmental concerns.
Hybrid cloud adoption: Companies continued to migrate to hybrid cloud solutions, combining public and private infrastructures for greater flexibility and security. This approach has allowed organizations to optimize their resources while meeting regulatory requirements.
Wearable devices and continuous monitoring: IT in healthcare is deeply connected to the growth of wearable devices, such as watches and sensors, which constantly monitor vital signs. These devices, combined with machine learning algorithms, have enabled early diagnoses and rapid interventions.
Automation and advanced DevOps: Process automation and the implementation of more sophisticated DevOps methodologies accelerated software development and delivery cycles. This has allowed for greater efficiency and quick adaptation to market changes.
Expanding edge computing: Edge computing has gained traction as a solution to reduce latency and improve performance in critical applications. This advancement has been crucial in sectors such as manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare.
Smart electronic health records (EHR): Cloud- and AI-based solutions have made electronic health records more interactive. Now, systems can suggest diagnoses, alert about drug interactions, and provide predictive insights based on the patient’s medical history.
The Information Technology (IT) sector in 2024 was marked by a series of transformations that solidified its relevance to the global economy. This market remains one of the pillars of technological innovation, adapting to emerging demands and paving the way for more integrated and efficient solutions.
What remained speculation
The fully integrated “Metaverse”: Despite high expectations surrounding the metaverse, the vision of a fully immersive and interconnected digital universe did not materialize as predicted. Issues related to infrastructure, high costs, and low user adoption have kept the concept as a distant promise.
Blockchain in every industry: Despite initial enthusiasm, blockchain technology failed to become as widespread as expected. Sectors like finance and logistics continue to use it, but adoption in other industries has been limited due to high costs and technical complexities.
Full automation with autonomous AI: Although AI-based automation has advanced, the idea of fully independent autonomous systems is still not a large-scale reality. Companies continue to face challenges related to reliability and the need for human supervision in critical tasks.
Hyperautomation across all business levels: Hyperautomation promised to completely transform corporate processes, but its application has been more limited than expected. Companies still struggle to integrate different technologies and train teams to adopt them.
No-code programming platforms as a universal standard: Although no-code platforms have gained popularity, the idea that they would completely replace traditional developers has not materialized. They are widely used for simple solutions, but more complex projects still depend on conventional programming.
Fully integrated IoT: While IoT continues to grow, full and uniform integration between devices from different manufacturers remains a challenge. Fragmented standards and security concerns hinder the creation of truly interoperable ecosystems.
The 2024 balance shows that while technology advances at a rapid pace, many predictions still face significant barriers. The future remains promising, but it’s clear that not all forecasted innovations can overcome real-world challenges. What is clear is that the adoption of technologies depends not only on technical advances but also on cultural, economic, and regulatory factors. Now, it’s up to us to stay attentive to this year’s trends to see what will actually materialize and to invest in the right path.
