The smartphone market is getting more complex and dynamic, as well as maturing and being highly commoditized. In such mature market, technology improvements in smartphone has brought incremental enhancements and these are often not perceived by users as critical for them.

Roberta Cozza, research director at Gartner, Inc., has identified 10 technologies and capabilities whose developments and transformations cannot be ignored by any mobile device vendor. The 10 technologies and capabilities for 2016 and 2017 are: fast charging, wireless charing, augmented reality/virtual reality, multiple-lens camera solutions, biometric authentication sensors and technologies; virtual personal assistants, flexible/curved displays, Wi-Fi 802.11 standards, USB Type-C and embedded SIM (e-SIM)

They were selected looking at five main potential areas of impact: the battery, an immersive experience, a personalized experience, display technology and connectivity. Gartner says they represent areas that can potentially address key smartphone user pain points, expand to new capabilities, unlock new business models or create more compelling experiences.