Mobile World Congress 2025: The Year of Robots, AI in the Background, and “Incremental Innovation”

What an awesome week at MWC 2025! I heard someone say "This year's MWC hit different" and I definitely agree.

The last two years have seen plenty of talk about AI and Network APIs at MWC, and yes, they were huge topics again. But looking through my photos, I’ve realized that this might have actually been the year of the robots. They were everywhere - collecting dirty dishes, presenting at booths, and even giving friendly waves from across the exhibit halls!

Still, the excitement (or rather then normalcy) around AI, APIs, and other technologies was impossible to miss. We’re seeing these tools become so common that they’re starting to fade into the background. That’s a strong sign of true adoption.

In case you missed the show, here are my top three takeaways from MWC 2025:

1. AI and APIs Are Everywhere - and That’s a Good Thing

It’s official: AI and APIs have become so widespread that they’re starting to feel as natural as email. The conversational experiences, rich insights, and useful integrations we once considered cutting-edge are now standard practice.

Everywhere you looked, companies were integrating AI into their products without making it a focal point of their branding. Instead, it was simply part of the overall experience.

Why is this good news? Because when technology becomes part of our everyday lives, it means we can stop marveling at it and start using it to build what’s next. That’s a critical step toward unlocking the next wave of growth in our industry. I’m excited to see how these advancements will power even more meaningful solutions for businesses and consumers going forward.

2. “Incremental Innovation” Is in Full Swing

Over the last five years, we’ve witnessed huge leaps in AI, 5G, IoT, and cloud computing. At MWC 2025, it felt like these innovations finally came together in practical, integrated solutions. I don't recall there being a "brand-new" buzzword this year, which, to me, is a great sign. Instead, we’re seeing existing technologies get smoother, faster, and easier to use - evolving into tools that truly improve everyday life.

For many businesses, this means rethinking their products and processes in small, manageable steps rather than jumping from one shiny trend to the next. It’s all about taking the big leaps of the past few years and turning them into sustainable, actionable solutions today.

Who knows... maybe we'll see people actually making money off of these technologies now!

3. MWC Proves the World Really Is a Small Place

One of my favorite parts of MWC is the people. I lost count of how many friends, former colleagues, and partners I bumped into this year. There’s something special about seeing folks from all over the globe gathering in Barcelona for a few days of inspiration. For me, MWC 2025 reaffirmed that personal connections are the heart of our industry - no matter what new technology emerges, it’s the people who drive innovation forward.

The event also reminded me that even though we’re spread out across different regions, we’re all working on similar challenges. These shared experiences will continue to bring us closer together, creating a space where collaboration can thrive.

Bonus: Let’s Start a MWC Physical Training Plan!

If you’ve ever attended MWC, you know the drill: hours on your feet, rushing from booth to booth, and countless meetings (and after-parties!). It’s an amazing experience - but it can be hard on the body. I mentioned on LinkedIn that someone should create a special training plan for MWC.

But for real... Imagine a program that combines New Year’s resolutions, Dry January, and a few extra steps a day to make sure you’re ready to tackle those five days like a pro. Who's up for taking on that challenge in 2026?

Final Thoughts

MWC 2025 truly raised the bar for all of us in the tech world. From robots helping us navigate to AI and APIs blending seamlessly into products, it’s clear that our industry is not just chasing the next trend, but actually maturing. And as this maturation continues, we’re going to see more practical, impactful solutions that help businesses grow, adapt, and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Thank you to everyone who made MWC 2025 such a memorable event. If you couldn’t make it this year, it's worth making plans for next year. Keep an eye out for all the innovative solutions rolling out over the next year - and let's start training for MWC 2026!