Key Facts:
- Massive Tech Expo: IFA 2025 runs September 5–9 in Berlin, marking the show’s 101st edition [1]. It’s Europe’s largest consumer electronics fair (215,000+ visitors last year) [2] and is often dubbed Europe’s CES [3].
- AI & Sustainability Focus: This year’s theme centers on artificial intelligence and sustainability. “Precisely because topics such as artificial intelligence, digitalisation and sustainability are developing so rapidly, we need platforms like IFA where innovations can be further developed,” says IFA CEO Leif Lindner [4]. Industry keynotes from Electrolux’s CEO and Miele’s chief will highlight eco-friendly innovation and AI in smart homes [5].
- Lenovo’s Bold Premieres: Lenovo is expected to wow with a “Project Pivo” concept laptop whose screen can rotate between landscape and portrait [6]. The company will also unveil the Legion Go 2 handheld gaming PC running SteamOS, boasting detachable controllers, a high-refresh OLED display, and an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip [7].
- New Phones Galore: Smartphone launches are lined up from multiple brands. Lenovo-owned Motorola may debut the Edge 60 Fusion along with new Moto G06 and G06 Power mid-range phones [8]. HMD Global (Humane Mobile Devices) is rumored to launch its Pulse 2 Pro Android phone – a budget-friendly 6.7-inch device with a big battery and 50 MP camera [9]. Samsung itself is expected to announce the Galaxy S25 FE, a cheaper Fan Edition of its flagship, at a pre-IFA event [10].
- Next-Gen PCs & Laptops:Acer and others are showcasing cutting-edge PCs. Acer’s new Swift Air 16 laptop is a 16-inch ultralight under 1 kg (2.2 lbs), making it lighter than some 13-inch models [11]. High-performance “AI PCs” are a trend – Acer’s lineup includes Copilot+ AI-powered PCs and even a refreshed Predator Helios 18P gaming laptop with up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU and NVIDIA RTX 5090 GPU for AI and graphics heavy-lifting [12] [13]. Lenovo’s range will span new IdeaPad and Yoga tablets, ThinkPad workstations, and more, many infused with AI features.
- Immersive Home Entertainment: Big-screen TVs and audio gear are making waves. Hisense will debut upgrades to its colossal 116-inch UX RGB-MiniLED TV, pushing peak brightness to an eye-searing 8,000 nits and adding AI-driven image enhancements to bring “fans closer to every moment of the game” [14] [15]. Samsung, meanwhile, has unveiled giant Sound Tower party speakers (models ST50F and ST40F) with flashy LED light strips and booming sound for the ultimate house party [16]. Audio brand JBL is also turning heads with its new JBL Grip – a beer-can-sized portable Bluetooth speaker rated IP68 waterproof and armed with an AI Sound Boost for bigger bass without distortion [17] [18].
- Smarter Smart Homes: From kitchen appliances to cleaning robots, IFA 2025 shows AI infiltrating every corner of the home. Tech journalists note that advances in AI are a “watershed moment for the smart home,” promising a shift from manual gadget control to ambient intelligence that anticipates your needs [19]. Samsung is championing this vision with a “SmartThings meets AI Home” campaign, demonstrating how its AI-powered home platform adapts to user needs across appliances and devices [20]. “We will continue to make efforts to bring AI home experiences that make everyday life simpler, more meaningful and more human,” says Samsung executive Won-Jin Lee [21]. Major appliance makers like Miele are on hand with innovations such as smart washer-dryers and vacuums, and top robot vacuum brands (Dreame, Roborock, Samsung, and more) are debuting new models boasting AI navigation and multi-tasking cleaning features [22] [23].
A Historic Tech Show Back in Full Force
IFA (Internationale Funkausstellung) Berlin has been running since 1924, and in 2025 it’s back at full scale after recent lean years [24]. The show spans 26 enormous halls at Messe Berlin, hosting everything from smartphones and smart fridges to hi-fi and home theater gear [25]. With hundreds of thousands of attendees and exhibitors from over 40 countries, IFA is a bellwether for consumer tech trends [26]. This year’s expo (Sept 5–9) is the 101st edition [27], and its agenda makes clear that AI and sustainability are the defining pillars.
Show organizers deliberately set themes like Future of Intelligence and Future of Sustainability, underscoring how green tech and artificial intelligence will shape the products on display [28]. “Tech is diverse and this is reflected in our programme: with top speakers from around the world and a strong focus on socially relevant issues,” Lindner (IFA’s CEO) explains [29]. High-profile keynote speeches will tackle these themes head-on. For instance, Electrolux CEO Yannick Fierling will discuss sustainable innovation and circular economy models in tech, while Dr. Markus Miele of appliance giant Miele will speak on “How AI and smart home appliances are changing our homes,” highlighting the real-life impact of intelligent home gadgets [30]. In short, IFA 2025 isn’t just about shiny new toys – it’s about how tech can improve lives without costing the earth.
AI Takes Center Stage in the Smart Home
One unmistakable trend at IFA 2025 is AI woven into everyday devices. Smart home gadgets are smarter than ever: think refrigerators that anticipate your grocery needs and robot vacuums that learn your floorplan. As one observer put it, the goal is an “ambient computing” experience – a home that automatically adapts to and serves its occupants, more Star Trek than clunky app controls [31]. We’re not fully there yet (today’s connected homes can be finicky and fragmented), but the products at IFA suggest we’re getting closer [32].
Samsung is among the companies doubling down on this vision. Just ahead of IFA, Samsung launched a “SmartThings Meets AI Home” campaign to showcase how its appliances and devices work in harmony via AI. In a demo video, their AI Home adjusts lighting and climate as you enter, and even launches appliance routines to handle chores at a tap [33]. The idea is that your washing machine, air conditioner, oven, etc., all coordinate through SmartThings AI to save you time and effort [34] [35]. “We aimed to highlight Samsung’s AI home experience … that truly connects with customers,” says Samsung’s marketing head Won-Jin Lee, promising AI will make daily life “simpler, more meaningful and more human” [36].
Other appliance makers are on the same wavelength. Miele is unveiling smart kitchen and cleaning appliances with AI enhancements – for example, a cordless vacuum that can also mop floors intelligently [37]. Hisense is infusing AI into its new TVs (more on that later). And plenty of robot helpers are prowling the show: companies like Dreame and Roborock are debuting next-gen robot vacuums with advanced AI navigation, obstacle avoidance, and even multi-floor mopping capabilities [38] [39]. Some models teased ahead of the show feature innovations like robotic arms to pick up clutter or climb stairs – hinting at a Jetsons-like future for home cleaning.
The smart home isn’t just about chores either. Security cameras, thermostats, and home entertainment systems at IFA are touting built-in AI for better automation. From learning your schedule to recognizing voices or faces, these devices aim to anticipate your needs instead of just responding to commands. Of course, this raises trust and privacy questions – an IFA panel is even addressing whether we can trust AI in our homes [40]. But the overall message from IFA 2025 is that AI is no longer a niche buzzword; it’s becoming a standard feature across product categories, much like Wi-Fi did a decade ago.
Cutting-Edge Laptops, PCs and Handhelds
IFA has long been a launchpad for PCs and laptops, and 2025 is no exception – except now many are labeled “AI PCs.” This new breed of computer features chips optimized for AI tasks (like Intel’s Core Ultra and AMD’s Ryzen AI series) and built-in assistants. Acer used the IFA stage to announce an entire lineup of AI-enhanced machines [41]. For example, Acer’s new Swift Air 16 has made headlines as an ultra-portable powerhouse: a 16-inch notebook that weighs under 1 kilogram (as little as 2.18 lbs) thanks to a magnesium-aluminum design [42]. Despite its featherweight frame, the Swift Air 16 packs a 120Hz high-resolution display and up to an AMD Ryzen 7 350 processor with dedicated AI engine support [43]. In plain terms, it’s a big laptop that’s lighter than many 13-inch models, yet smart enough to accelerate AI tasks like image recognition or voice transcription on-device.
At the opposite end, Acer also revealed a behemoth: the Predator Helios 18P gaming laptop. This 18-inch “tank” of a laptop was announced at IFA 2025 and is unusual because it straddles gaming and professional use [44] [45]. It can be configured with up to Intel’s top-tier Core Ultra 9 285HX CPU and NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 5090 GPU – hardware that hardcore gamers drool over, but Acer has also equipped it with business-grade features like Intel vPro security and 192 GB of ECC memory (error-correcting RAM used in servers) [46]. The result is a laptop that can crunch AI models or 3D graphics for work, then handle 4K gaming after hours. It even sports a 4K MiniLED display (at 120Hz) for crisp visuals [47]. In short, Acer is betting that “AI PCs” can wear many hats, appealing to both “working stiffs” and gamers in one device, as one reviewer wryly noted [48].
Lenovo, meanwhile, didn’t hold back on innovation either. Rumors ahead of the show suggested Lenovo would unveil a wild concept laptop nicknamed “Project Pivo,” featuring a screen that can physically flip from horizontal to vertical orientation [49]. Leaked images show what looks like a fairly normal laptop until the display pivots 90°, which could be a boon for coders, readers, or TikTok video editors who prefer tall aspect ratios. Lenovo has a track record of showing such concepts at IFA – some become real products (like previous foldable-screen ThinkBooks), while others remain futuristic demos [50]. Attendees are eager to see if Project Pivo is just a prototype or a glimpse of an upcoming product line.
Lenovo is also expected to officially launch the Legion Go 2, the successor to its Legion Go handheld gaming PC [51]. A prototype of the Legion Go 2 was already seen at CES 2025, sporting impressive specs for a handheld: an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor (a chip specialized for portable gaming), a 8.8-inch 1200p OLED touchscreen with up to 144 Hz refresh rate, 32 GB RAM, and 1 TB SSD storage [52]. Like its predecessor (and Nintendo’s Switch), the Legion Go 2 features detachable gamepad controllers and runs SteamOS for access to PC games [53]. Leaks suggest its price might undercut some competitors’ (though possibly pricier than Asus’s ROG Ally) [54]. If unveiled at IFA, the Legion Go 2 will highlight a growing trend of PC gaming on the go – a theme echoed by other brands too. In fact, whispers at the show indicate Acer is showing a 7-inch Nitro Blaze handheld and even ASUS has new handhelds in the works, all riding the wave of portable PC gaming. It seems the success of devices like Valve’s Steam Deck has convinced big OEMs that handheld gaming PCs are here to stay, and IFA is fueling that excitement with multiple entrants.
Smartphones and Mobile Gadgets Debut
While mobile giants like Apple and Google don’t launch products at IFA, plenty of Android phone makers seize the Berlin spotlight. This year, Motorola – now a Lenovo subsidiary – is teasing several mid-range phones. The headline device is likely the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion, expanding the Moto Edge 60 series with a model that balances premium features and price [55]. Details are still unofficial, but it’s expected to slot between the flagship Edge 60 and mid-tier variants. Alongside it, Motorola is rumored to unveil the Moto G06 and Moto G06 Power [56]. These successors to its affordable G-series are said to share core specs (perhaps a modest Snapdragon chip, 6 GB RAM, etc.), with the “Power” edition simply packing a larger battery for extra longevity [57]. Motorola’s strategy has been to deliver near-stock Android phones at aggressive prices, so if these appear, they’ll aim to attract budget-conscious consumers in Europe and beyond.
Another anticipated reveal comes from HMD Global, the company behind the Nokia-branded phones and now also its own “HMD” line of devices. HMD is reportedly launching the Pulse 2 Pro, a sequel to a modestly-priced Android phone released earlier in April [58]. The first Pulse Pro was around €180 and offered good value, so the Pulse 2 Pro may stick to that formula: rumor has it sporting a 6.7-inch Full HD+ LCD, a midrange Unisoc T615 chipset, 6 GB RAM, 128 GB storage, a 5,000 mAh battery, and a 50 MP main camera [59]. Those specs won’t challenge an iPhone, but at a low price could attract buyers looking for a dependable, big-screen phone on a budget. If HMD indeed shows it at IFA, it underlines how the show isn’t just about high-end flagships – it’s also a venue for solid, affordable tech for emerging markets.
Of course, Samsung – being one of the largest exhibitors – often has mobile news at IFA, even if it reserves its biggest launches for its own unpacked events. This year Samsung scheduled a Galaxy event just before IFA, widely believed to reveal the Galaxy S25 FE (Fan Edition) smartphone [60]. The S25 FE would join the Galaxy S25 lineup as a lower-cost variant retaining the core features (like a high-end processor and quality camera) but with some compromises to hit a more palatable price. Fans of Samsung are eager because the “FE” models often deliver strong value. In addition, Samsung could use IFA to quietly show off its next Galaxy Tab A10 Lite tablet or even tease the Galaxy Tab S11 series, as some reports hint [61]. These would cater to the renewed interest in tablets for both entertainment and education.
Beyond phones and tablets, wearables and mobile accessories are part of the IFA mix too. We’ve seen announcements like the Polar Loop (a scrappy fitness band aiming to compete with Whoop by ditching subscription fees for health tracking) [62]. There’s buzz around new wireless earbuds from brands like Jabra and Sony, and even quirky gadgets – e.g., a smart ring or AR glasses – making appearances. While these might not grab headlines like an Apple Watch, they round out the showcase of how our mobile lives are evolving.
Home Entertainment: TVs, Audio and More
IFA has traditionally been a hotspot for TV and home theater innovation – and 2025 is keeping that tradition alive. Hisense grabbed attention by announcing significant upgrades to its flagship UX 116-inch Mini-LED TV. This gigantic television was already notable for using an RGB Mini-LED backlight (with separate red, green, blue LEDs for ultra-rich colors), but now Hisense says it’s pushing the tech even further [63]. The updated model can reach a blinding 8,000 nits of peak brightness – an unheard-of level that could make HDR highlights truly pop even in bright rooms [64]. To manage that and improve picture quality, Hisense is employing AI-driven software enhancements. The company promises “powerful hardware improvements and AI-driven software” to deliver more immersive viewing, saying these tweaks will bring sports “fans closer to every moment of the game” on that huge screen [65]. In essence, the TV can dynamically adjust settings using AI to ensure, say, fast-action scenes in a football match stay crystal clear and punchy. This shows how AI is even in your TV, optimizing images scene-by-scene. We wouldn’t be surprised if other TV makers like LG and TCL also emphasize AI-powered picture or upscaling in their latest 4K and 8K displays at the show.
On the audio front, Samsung made a literal splash with its new Sound Tower party speakers at IFA. These boombox-style speakers – the Galaxy Sound Tower ST50F and ST40F – are anything but subtle. They feature huge LED lighting arrays: a “racetrack-style” light strip across the front, plus lights around the speakers’ edges, base, handle, you name it [66]. It’s a throwback to the flashy disco speakers of the past, taken to modern extremes. Samsung pioneered the party speaker concept over a decade ago, and now it’s upping the ante with more lights and surely plenty of bass [67]. The larger ST50F even has wheels (yes, these beasts are semi-portable) – though one Verge editor jokingly asked, “it may have wheels, but can it do a kickflip?” [68]. While audiophiles might cringe at the gaudiness, the crowd that loves karaoke and block parties will likely flock to these. Expect built-in DJ sound effects, wireless linking between units, and compatibility with Samsung’s TVs for big-screen karaoke lyrics.
JBL also used IFA to introduce fun new audio gear. The JBL Grip is a tiny cylinder Bluetooth speaker, about the size of a tallboy beer can, designed for ultra-portability [69]. Despite its petite form, it outputs a solid 16 W of sound and carries an IP68 waterproof/dustproof rating so you can dunk it in a pool for up to 30 minutes with no ill effects [70]. Impressively, JBL packed in AI Sound Boost technology that automatically beefs up the bass and overall loudness without distortion [71]. Tiny speakers often sound tinny, so JBL is using an algorithm to make the Grip sound bigger than it is. For partygoers, it even has a built-in LED light on the back that you can customize via an app, and you can pair two Grips via Bluetooth for stereo sound [72]. With 12 hours of battery life, this pocket-friendly speaker is positioned as the perfect companion for a bike ride, beach day, or yes, a spontaneous mini-party (strap it to your bike or bag using its integrated loop). The Grip shows how even audio gadgets are infusing AI and smart features to stand out.
And that’s not all – IFA’s halls are echoing with other notable releases. JBL’s PartyBox 720, a monstrous battery-powered speaker, made an appearance as well, claiming the title of JBL’s largest portable party speaker to date. Marshall showcased a classy retro-styled Heston 60 soundbar that marries vintage looks with modern sound (and emphasizes repairability for sustainability). Dolby used the event to unveil Dolby Vision 2, an evolution of its HDR tech that goes beyond just high dynamic range – incorporating AI for better upscaling and a new “authentic motion” smoothing to reduce blur without that soap-opera effect [73]. In other words, even the standards behind our AV experiences are getting smarter.
Looking Ahead: IFA Sets the Tech Tone
From the deluge of announcements at IFA 2025, a clear picture emerges: AI is the common thread tying together everything from smartphones and PCs to ovens and speakers. Companies are betting that smarter devices – ones that can learn, adapt, and maybe even anticipate – are what consumers want next. The show floor in Berlin has effectively become a real-world catalog of how AI can enhance daily life: making homes “smarter, more intuitive, and more sustainable” as organizers envisioned [74].
Equally, IFA 2025 highlights the blending of categories. We see gaming gadgets doubling as productivity machines, entertainment devices focusing on wellness (e.g. TVs with ambient modes to relax you), and appliance makers talking about connectivity as much as cleaning. It’s a reminder that in tech, nothing exists in a silo anymore. Connectivity, AI, and user-centric design are converging to define the next wave of products.
As The Verge noted, companies come to IFA to showcase “design concepts that will shape future consumer tech releases” [75]. Many products shown are previews of what’s coming later in the year or in 2026. The excitement in Berlin’s air comes not just from what’s being launched now, but what these breakthroughs hint at for the near future. Whether it’s living in an AI-assisted home, playing AAA games on a handheld during your commute, or watching sports on an impossibly bright 116-inch screen, IFA 2025 has given us a tantalizing look at what’s next in tech. And if these premieres are any indication, the future gadgets in our lives will be smarter, more interconnected – and perhaps a little flashier – than ever before.
Sources:
- Gadgets 360 – “IFA 2025: From Lenovo Legion Go 2 to HMD Pulse 2 Pro, All the Expected Announcements” [76] [77] [78] [79]
- The Verge – “IFA 2025: the biggest tech and gadget announcements” [80] [81] [82]
- HiddenWires – “AI and sustainability on agenda at IFA Berlin’s 101st show” [83] [84]
- Samsung Newsroom – “SmartThings Meets AI Home campaign” (press release) [85] [86]
- Gizmodo – Coverage of JBL Grip speaker and Acer laptops [87] [88] [89] [90]
- Vacuum Wars – “IFA 2025 Preview: Robot Vacuums and Smart Cleaning Tech” [91] [92]
- Stuff.tv – “IFA 2025: latest new gear from the world’s largest electronics show” [93] [94]
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