Futurology in technology generally doesn’t work. The changes in this field are so rapid and dizzying that trying to predict something with certainty in the medium term is almost impossible: the rhythms of digital and technological innovation are so surprising and unexpected that anything can emerge with profound force to change everything.
However, at this time of the end and beginning of the year, it is conducive to reflecting on what these twelve months would be like, which will begin this week when 2025 officially begins.
One of the first aspects that already suggests an exciting 2025 in technological matters is quantum computing.. While it is not a new technology, Google’s recent announcement with Willow, its first quantum technology chip which is capable of solving in 5 minutes a problem that would take a current supercomputer 10 septillions of years, an unimaginable figure that is several times the age of the Universe itself.
What does this mean? That Google’s chip has managed to reverse the error problem that quantum computing has by using subatomic particles to ‘process and think’, which increases its certainty and capacity.
Quantum computing will not replace current computing and neither will It will be widely commercial until before 2030, but in 2025 it will begin to become even more widespread to help us solve important enigmas and problems of humanity, such as understanding deadly diseases and finding how to cure them or medicines that do so; to combat climate change and make artificial intelligence superior to human intelligence.
And there the risks appear: with computing quantum all encryption algorithms used for cybersecurity, protecting digital communications, banking, known password systems, would be compromised.
A quantum computer would guess virtually any password in milliseconds. It is as if from one moment to the next a master key appears capable of opening any door in the world.
Therefore, cybersecurity, another of the trends of 2025, will have an especially challenging next year.
Cybersecurity 2025: a great challenge
next year will be marked by more complex and sophisticated challenges in digital security, with increasing risk for Operational Technology (OT) systems and of critical infrastructures such as energy systems, agreements, traffic lights, airports, manufacturing and transportation.
According to Eset, a cybersecurity company, the digitalization of these systems has expanded their connectivity but has also made them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Historical examples of OT attacks, such as the ‘BlackEnergy’ or ‘Industroyer’ cases, demonstrate the devastating potential of these threats. This panorama forces governments and organizations to prioritize strategies to protect these systems, which, by their nature, are fundamental for the functioning of essential services in society.
In second place is the malicious use of generative artificial intelligence, which in 2025 can be consolidated as a new battle front. While this technology has transformed various industries by facilitating content creation and task automation, it has also been adopted by malicious actors.
From perfecting deception attacks (phishing) so that people fall into traps with their bank, among others, to the generation of deepfakes (famous or well-known people impersonated saying things that are false) and even the development of malicious code, all with generative AI, are part of the challenges.
The most recent report of OpenAI highlights how advanced threat groups (APTs) are using generative AI models to perform intermediate tasks in cyber attacks, such as malicious code debugging and vulnerability analysis. This not only amplifies the potential impact of attacks, but also forces governments and companies to reconsider their defense strategies. In 2025, growth in the use of this technology for both legal and illicit purposes is expected, intensifying the need for proactive measures to mitigate risks.
The 2025 challenges of AI
As a third trend, important legal and ethical debates will inevitably arise around AI. We will see these debates, which will also be impacted by the AI Act of the European Union and the initiatives in this regard in the United States.
The discussion about whether or not to regulate artificial intelligence will be on the agenda, mainly in aspects such as transparency of algorithms, liability for harm caused by AI, and the need to ensure privacy and the care of human rights, as well as preventing socioeconomic gaps from widening due to the dominance and segregation of AIs.
In terms of technological development, 2025 promises to be a key year for the evolution of artificial intelligence, with the advancement of increasingly autonomous and sophisticated systems. The so-called agentic AI, designed to act independently and execute complex tasks on behalf of the user, will be one of the protagonists of this new stage.
This type of artificial intelligence will not only dialogue with users, but also analyze documents, manage data and make decisions in multiple domains, from project planning to financial analysis. According to Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, AI aspires to become en that ‘super-competent colleague’ in the office, capable of understanding the context of each interaction and acting in a personalized way.
Greater, massive adoption is also expected, since AI will no longer be limited to assisting the user, but will take on a more active role in solving problems. In sectors such as finance, complex processes such as trading (purchase and sale of shares) are already being automated. This level of autonomy, which Gartner projects will dominate 15% of daily work decisions by 2028, redefines the way organizations and individuals interact with technology.
However, this transition is not without challenges. Increasing reliance on agentic AI systems raises questions around privacy, security and control of personal data. The concept of an omnipresent assistant that knows every aspect of the user’s life generates both excitement and concern.
Technology companies will have to address these challenges with transparent and accountable strategies, ensuring that users maintain control over their data and decisions. At the same time, regulation will play a crucial role in ensuring that this technological advancement does not compromise fundamental rights.
Technological launches that we will see in 2025
Galaxy S25: In January we will meet Samsung’s new flagship family, with better revolutionary cameras, a better battery, and lots of artificial intelligence.
iPhone 17: It would come with a completely renewed design, new augmented reality functionalities and an even more efficient processor.
Tesla Optimus: This humanoid robot promises to transform homes and industries, taking on physical and operational tasks thanks to its advanced artificial intelligence.
Nintendo Switch 2: The new hybrid console will include improved graphics, support for augmented reality and faster processors for immersive gaming experiences.
Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses 2025: Smart glasses with integrated screen and virtual assistant, ideal for notifications, translations and device control.
PlayStation 6: Sony’s next console will offer 8K graphics, practically zero loading times and greater integration with virtual reality.
Apple Vision Pro 2: The evolution of Apple’s mixed reality headset will bring a lighter design and an expanded ecosystem of apps and content.
Intel Meteor Lake: The new generation of processors promises superior multitasking performance and energy efficiency, ideal for laptops and desktops.
Hyperloop One: Revolutionary high-speed transportation system to begin public testing, getting closer to dream of traveling between cities in minutes