IFA 2025 Shows AI Eating The Smart Home

Plus: Apple Watch adds 5G, raising wearable stakes

Author

Rafe Houston
September 11, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

Consumer Tech

Here's what's happening this week in the world of consumer tech:
- iPhone Air replaces Plus and shifts pricing
- Apple Watch lineup goes 5G with longer battery
- IFA 2025 shows AI eating the smart home

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Swipe through for the highlights.

📌WEEKLY MUST-KNOWS

Apple reshaped the portfolio by introducing the ultra-thin iPhone Air and bumping base storage to 256GB across models, with only the 17 Pro seeing a price hike. The shift tightens price-to-spec parity, adds 120Hz to the base 17, and changes accessory fit and merchandising with new camera bumps and sizes. Expect upgrade intent to rise and accessory lines to refresh, impacting channel mix, bundles, and launch promo strategy.

IFA highlights AI moving from buzzword to baseline across home devices: robot vacuums gain multi-floor mobility, lighting improves per-pixel control, and major appliances optimize via embedded intelligence. Subscription models face pressure as brands like Philips Hue offer free video history tiers. Smart home makers and retailers should prepare for AI-first messaging, cross-device orchestration, and shifting monetization.

Google introduced the Pixel 10 Pro Fold with IP68 water and dust resistance, a larger 5,015 mAh battery, an improved hinge rated for long-term durability and the Tensor G5 chip. Launching Oct. 9 at $1,799, the device signals a maturing foldable category with mainstream-ready specs.

⚡QUICK READS

Apple Watch Line Adds 5G And Longer Life: Apple Watch SE 3, Series 11, and Ultra 3 gain 5G, watchOS 26 features, and better battery, expanding standalone use cases and carrier bundling ahead of holiday.(More)

Apple's AI iPhones Signal Rise Of Screenless Wearables By 2030: Analysts expect AI-first, ambient experiences to push smart glasses and earbuds forward, nudging app and media strategies beyond the phone screen.(More)

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