As we approach 2025, the technology landscape is poised for significant transformation across key areas that impact enterprises, consumers, and mobile operators alike. From the evolution of digital identity to messaging innovations and advances in satellite communications, these changes promise to redefine how we connect, transact, and secure our digital experiences. Here are my top three predictions for the year ahead:
#1: The Digital Identity Revolution: Decentralized and Biometric Ecosystems Will Dominate
The digital identity landscape is on the cusp of a transformation, driven in part by Apple’s groundbreaking decision to open its Near Field Communication (NFC) and Security Element (SE) functionality to third-party developers. This move is a catalyst for a shift toward decentralized identity infrastructures, enabling users to have more control over their digital credentials.
One key impact of this shift will be the accelerated adoption of passkey technologies, which eliminate the need for outdated, fraud-prone methods like one-time passwords (OTPs) over SMS or email. Instead, biometrics—such as facial recognition and fingerprint scans—will become the cornerstone of secure and seamless authentication. While this evolution is promising for consumers and enterprises, it poses challenges for wholesale SMS providers that rely on OTP traffic.
The result? A future where users have greater privacy and enterprises benefit from lower fraud rates, while the technology ecosystem pivots to support this paradigm shift.
#2: RCS Messaging Will Remain on the Horizon as A2P SMS/MMS Holds Strong
Rich Business Messaging (RBM), the enterprise-grade iteration of Rich Communication Services (RCS), has been a long time coming in the U.S., with full nationwide enablement across carriers and compatible handsets projected for 2025. Despite this milestone, the adoption of RBM capabilities by enterprises will lag due to the deeply integrated nature of existing messaging APIs within customer relationship management (CRM), billing, logistics, and other critical platforms.
This inertia will maintain the prominence of Application-to-Person (A2P) SMS and MMS messaging in the near term. As enterprises take a cautious approach to upgrading their systems to leverage RBM’s rich media and interactive capabilities, we can expect continued growth in the A2P messaging market over the next 12 to 24 months. While the promise of RCS is undeniable, the timeline for widespread adoption and its full market impact may stretch into 2026 and beyond.
RCS will enhance, personalize, and transform all aspects of messaging, but it will have to move an entire ecosystem—and for that, we need patience.
#3: Satellite Communication Will Revolutionize Connectivity
In September 2024, Apple expanded its satellite messaging capabilities with the launch of iOS 18, allowing users to send and receive texts, emojis, and Tapbacks over iMessage and SMS. Initially available in the U.S. and Canada for iPhone 14 models and later, this move highlights the growing viability of satellite communication using off-the-shelf devices.
The real-world benefits of this technology were demonstrated during the hurricanes in Florida in the fall of 2024, where satellite-enabled messaging provided critical connectivity in disaster zones when traditional networks failed. Apple’s innovation underscores the growing viability of satellite communication using off-the-shelf devices, and it is only the beginning.
As competition grows, the next logical step will be the introduction of satellite voice capabilities, further enhancing global connectivity. The implications are profound: improved network resilience, enhanced public safety, and expanded coverage, particularly in underserved and remote regions.
Satellite-enabled communication represents a leap forward in achieving universal accessibility, making it one of the most exciting frontiers in telecommunications.
Final thoughts
The year ahead promises transformative advancements in how we interact with technology. Decentralized identity ecosystems, the gradual evolution of enterprise messaging, and the proliferation of satellite communications are three areas where we’ll see significant progress. These innovations will not only shape the tech industry but also deliver meaningful benefits to individuals and organizations worldwide.
As we navigate these changes, enterprises that prioritize agility and innovation will be best positioned to leverage emerging technologies for competitive advantage. The future is decentralized, interconnected, and powered by the innovations we embrace today. Those who act now will lead the way into this transformative new era.
The views expressed in this article belong solely to the author and do not represent The Fast Mode. While information provided in this post is obtained from sources believed by The Fast Mode to be reliable, The Fast Mode is not liable for any losses or damages arising from any information limitations, changes, inaccuracies, misrepresentations, omissions or errors contained therein. The heading is for ease of reference and shall not be deemed to influence the information presented.
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