The Future of Wireless Communication in Product Development

Wireless communication has come a long way since its humble beginnings. Today, it drives innovation in product development across industries. 

With the rise of smart devices, IoT, and mobile connectivity, companies are rethinking how they design, build, and refine their products. For instance, the number of IoT-connected devices in 2025 has reached 20.1 billion, according to Statista.

The evolution of wireless technology is significantly impacting product development. It enables new features, greater efficiency, and enhanced user experiences. Product managers and engineers are leading this change, building products that connect in new ways.  

This blog post will walk you through how wireless technology is shaping product development.

Where Wireless Stands Today

Wireless technology is a must for today’s products. Wi-Fi keeps your smart home running smoothly, Bluetooth links your earbuds, and cellular networks guide drones delivering packages. These aren’t just nice extras; they are the core components of connected devices changing fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics. 

A recent study predicts the wireless connectivity market will grow from $118 billion in 2025 to $373 billion by 2034. This is an annual growth of 13.64 percent, pointing to a rising need for well-connected products.

Engineers and product heads today combine different wireless systems into one device. Take a smart speaker, for example. It might use Wi-Fi to stream music, Bluetooth to pair with your phone, and various low-power protocols to control the lights. This mix requires strong skills in managing signals, saving power, and design, which are vital for making standout products.

What’s Changing the Wireless Game

Wireless technology keeps moving forward. Here are some trends shaping what’s next for product development:

5G: This offers fast speeds and quick responses, opening the door to remote robotics or self-driving cars. The 2024 Ericsson Mobility Report expects 5G to reach 85 percent of the world’s population by 2029. Engineers and product heads cannot afford to ignore 5G today.

Wi-Fi 6 and 6E: These updates handle more devices without slowing down, perfect for busy spots like offices or stadiums. Wi-Fi 6E taps into a new frequency band to cut interference and boost performance.

Edge Computing: Edge computing handles data in real time, processing data where it originates, like on a factory sensor, to save time.  

Private Networks: Built for specific needs, these secure setups support critical tasks like airport logistics or military operations.

These changes are already at work. In farming, for instance, 5G-connected sensors check soil moisture instantly, helping farmers water crops more effectively. For engineers, this means designing products that are quicker, smarter, and more reliable.

Getting Ready for Tomorrow

To keep up with this fast-changing sector,  engineers need to build on their knowledge by exploring learning options. Designing for future systems like 6G or AI-driven networks requires a firm grasp of advanced signal processing and network setup.

An MS in electrical and computer engineering can help develop those skills, with classes on wireless systems, embedded technology, and data analysis. 

Electric vehicles (EVs), solar panels, and charging stations are becoming mainstream worldwide. Consumers increasingly prefer EVs over gasoline vehicles, which had an 18 percent market share as of 2023. There is a vast scope of products related to EVs.

Kettering University suggests opting for the electric vehicle certificate, which is highly beneficial. The lead engineers and product managers should blend technical skills with a drive to adapt and explore. 

Stay engaged beyond school by attending 5G webinars, earning certifications in edge computing, or playing with open-source wireless projects.

What Lies Ahead

Looking further out, wireless technology promises even more significant steps. 

By the mid-2030s, 6G could bring speeds 100 times faster than 5G, linking millions of sensors in smart cities or factories. Terahertz waves, using frequencies above 100 GHz, might offer the bandwidth for tools like holographic displays or instant data sharing across big spaces.

Artificial intelligence (AI) will also contribute to predicting network traffic or tweaking signals to avoid trouble. As AI evolves and has more use cases, it will become a formidable tool for networking technology.

Quantum communication, still in its early stages, might one day secure products like ATMs or medical devices with unbreakable codes. The future isn’t just about linking things up, but about making them sharp and flexible.

The Future Has Already Arrived

Wireless communication continues to reshape the way products are developed and used. To stay competitive, engineers must embrace these changes and invest in education, technology, and collaboration.

Engineers can design products that not only meet current consumer demands but also anticipate future needs. The promise of faster networks, more intelligent devices, and deeper connectivity will open new avenues for product innovation.