IoT Trends We’ve Seen in 2025 So Far: A Mid-Year Review

As we reach the midway point of 2025, it's a good moment to pause and reflect on the IoT trends that have emerged across the industry so far this year. At OV, we work at the heart of global IoT connectivity—collaborating with innovators and enabling intelligent solutions across sectors. What we’re seeing so far in 2025 isn’t just evolution—it’s acceleration.

Let’s look at some of the key developments we have noticed to be shaping across the IoT landscape and how they’re redefining what’s possible.

1. Private 5G Networks Are Moving From Pilot to Production

The promise of private 5G has been discussed for several years, but 2025 has seen a real shift: deployments are now happening at scale. Enterprises in manufacturing, logistics and even smart agriculture are moving beyond trials and into full production environments.

At OV, we're supporting several industrial clients who are leveraging our eUICC-enabled SIMs for flexibility across public and private networks—a critical piece of the puzzle.

2. IoT Security Regulations Are Coming to the Fore

The focus on IoT security has sharpened considerably in2025. Regulatory frameworks are not only being introduced—they’re being enforced. A key milestone this year was the full implementation of the UK’s Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) Act, which mandates minimum security requirements for consumer IoT devices, including:

• A ban on default passwords
• A requirement to publish vulnerability disclosure policies
• Clear contact points for security researchers

But regulatory pressure isn’t the only force driving change. Technical standards are also evolving to support more secure and flexible device management.

A major development in 2025 has been the growing industry adoption of GSMA’s SGP.32 specification for IoT remote SIM provisioning. Unlike previous standards designed primarily for consumer devices (like SGP.22), SGP.32 is purpose-built for constrained IoT devices—making remote SIM lifecycle management far more secure and efficient. It improves interoperability, streamlines provisioning across networks, and supports end-to-end secure onboarding, even for devices in the field.

At OV, we’re working closely with partners and clients to ensure compliance with emerging standards like SGP.32, while also helping them futureproof their deployments. Our connectivity solutions are designed to support secure provisioning, remote management, and regulatory alignment across markets. Read more about the SGP.32 standard here.

3. Sustainability and IoT: From Reporting to Action

Sustainability remains high on the agenda, but the conversation has matured. It’s not just about tracking emissions anymore—it’s about using data to drive immediate decisions. IoT is being embedded in ESG strategies, with a strong focus on energy optimisation and waste reduction –smart cities continue to rise.

In Manchester, initiatives like the Bee Network are transforming public transport in an effort to reduce pollution. The city is introducing hundreds of new electric buses, aiming to create an all-electric bus and tram system powered by renewable energy by the end of the decade. This move is part of a broader strategy to improve air quality without imposing charges on motorists.

Glasgow is leading in energy-efficient lighting by replacingtraditional streetlights with LED lamps. These new installations are expectedto cut energy use by 50-70%, save more than 18,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases,and pay for themselves within the next 18 years. (Source: GlasgowLEDing the way in energy efficient lighting | LED Hut)

We’re proud to support environmental innovation throughconnectivity solutions across the globe that allow for low-power wide-areanetwork (LPWAN) communication, ideal for battery-operated sensors that need tolast for years. Check out our worldwide coverage here.

Satellite IoT Goes Mainstream

Satellite IoT, once seen as niche, has also gained significant traction in 2025—especially for use cases in agriculture, shipping, and emergency services. But with the rise of low Earth orbit (LEO)constellations, connectivity is no longer constrained by traditional infrastructure. We heard about it first in 2024, from Agri-Tech that farmers in rural Wales were now using connected soil sensors that link to satellites, enabling precision farming in previously unreachable areas, that momentum has accelerated in 2025, a huge advantage for the agricultural sector.

Closing Thoughts…

2025 is proving to be a pivotal year for IoT—marked by maturity, convergence and increasing accountability. Whether it's the spread of private 5G, new security mandates, or sustainable innovation, we’re proud to be enabling the next wave of connected solutions.

At OV, we don’t just provide connectivity—we help organisations unlock the full potential of their IoT deployments, now and into the future. Want to learn more about OV? Go to www.worldov.com

LinkedIn CYA: Read the original version of this article and more key insights on our website at www.worldov.com