Bluetooth Devices to Top 5.3 Billion Shipments in 2025

Bluetooth technology is set for another big year, with over 5.3 billion devices expected to ship globally in 2025, according to the Bluetooth SIG’s 2025 Market Update shared with iPhone in Canada. That number could climb to nearly 8 billion units by 2029.

The report highlights major growth in Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) devices, driven by industries adopting new applications like smart labels and electronic shelf tags. Bluetooth LE shipments are forecasted to grow rapidly at a 22% annual rate, with single-mode LE devices expected to match shipments of traditional Bluetooth Dual-Mode devices by 2028.

Meanwhile, shipments of older single-mode Bluetooth Classic devices are predicted to decline by 14% annually as the market shifts to more energy-efficient solutions.

Upcoming enhancements to the Bluetooth technology roadmap include Bluetooth Channel Sounding, a secure, fine-ranging feature designed to boost the safety and convenience of Bluetooth-connected products. The Auracast broadcast audio technology is also expected to expand, bringing new life-changing audio experiences.

According to Bluetooth SIG, the technology continues to evolve across consumer, commercial, and industrial sectors–check out the roadmap of future updates below:

Bluetooth Channel Sounding

• A secure fine-ranging feature that improves convenience and safety for Bluetooth-connected devices.
• Enables mobile-based access control for vehicles, homes, and commercial buildings, including digital car keys and smart locks.

Ultra-low Latency HID

• Designed to make Bluetooth gaming controllers as responsive as wired or proprietary wireless devices.
• Supports polling rates up to 1000 Hz for better performance in AR, VR, and MR scenarios.

High Data Throughput

• The LE 2M PHY doubled Bluetooth LE data rates in 2016, enabling applications like LE Audio.
• A new project aims to increase data rates up to 8 Mbps to support larger media streaming and higher performance.

High Frequency Bands

• Ongoing work to expand Bluetooth LE into the 5 and 6 GHz frequency bands.
• Aims to enhance data throughput, lower latency, and improve co-existence with other wireless technologies.

Bluetooth LE Audio Enhancements

• Establishes a new platform for supporting wireless audio, improving calls and media streaming.
• Expected to lead wireless audio innovation for years to come.