By Weldon Dodd, evangelist and SVP, Global Partnerships for Kandji

Every year we witness an evolution within the enterprise technology space, and this past year did not disappoint with increasing AI innovation and adoption, the return to the physical office, and impressive Apple innovation. All of this has led to what should become yet another exciting year. 

Based on conversations with colleagues, customers, partners and other industry experts, here are the four technology predictions for the coming year from Kandji.

The Hybrid Work Divide Will Drive Innovation in Device Management

The hybrid work model will hit a tipping point, as employers push for more in-office presence while employees increasingly demand flexibility. This growing divide will catalyze innovation in device management. Many companies have already invested in streamlining onboarding and remote support, but now the challenge will be adapting those systems to also serve in-office environments. The key will be prioritizing automation and efficiency which reduces the need for manual fixes and enhances the user experience across all work settings. As businesses navigate this tension, the future of device management will focus on creating seamless and flexible solutions that balance both employee autonomy and the need for in-person collaboration.

Apple Vision Pro and Smart Devices Will Drive Integration of Spatial Computing and Convenience into Daily and Professional Lives

Apple Vision Pro will continue to evolve in 2025, becoming the more accessible productivity-focused tool that Apple has always wanted. Apple is expected to make the device more affordable, widening its appeal to consumers, while also maintaining its strength in workspaces, especially with the recent software updates that allow for ultra-wide displays and seamless Mac integration. This shift could change how consumers interact with their devices, bringing spatial computing closer to the mainstream. In addition, rumors of a new Siri-powered "kitchen device" suggest Apple aspires to make daily life even more convenient with smart, hands-free solutions that leverage the growing capabilities of Apple Intelligence. Together, these innovations will drive deeper integration of Apple's ecosystem across both personal and professional spaces.

Businesses Will Create LLMs and RAG Leveraging Internal Data to Unlock Tailored Insights and Drive Productivity

We are going to see a big shift as businesses start using Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and LLMs with their corporate data. Rather than relying solely on third-party models like OpenAI, companies will begin asking these models more specific questions about their business, such as, "Is there anomalous behavior happening on this device we manage" or "What does this data tell me about our device management security?" By connecting LLMs with internal data, businesses will be able to get answers that aren't just based on general world knowledge but are much more tailored to their needs. As companies make this move, they'll also need to pay close attention to data governance and privacy, especially as regulations like GDPR implement stricter guidelines regarding the handling of customer data. If done right, this approach could unlock valuable insights, but businesses must balance the power of AI with well-established data practices to keep afloat.

Apple's M4 Chip Will Drive a New Era of On-Device AI 

Apple's M4 chip will make on-device AI the new standard, enabling more AI processing to happen directly on devices rather than relying on the cloud. For consumers, this shift means faster, more personalized experiences with greater privacy. This is because less data will need to be shared or stored remotely. For businesses, the impact could be substantial, particularly related to Apple-managed accounts making it easier to deliver tailored services. And for the business user that requires top level speed and performance - think video editing, software deployment or AI development using LLMs - the M4 is going to be untouchable by the competition. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Weldon Dodd is evangelist and SVP, Global Partnerships at Kandji, the leading Apple device management and security platform.