The Tokyo Game Show 2025: Everything You Need to Know
The Tokyo Game Show 2025 (TGS 2025) returns to Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan from September 25–28, promising to be one of the most expansive and inclusive iterations of the event yet. Organized by the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA), the show continues its traditional structure—two business days (Sept 25–26) dedicated to industry professionals, followed […]
The Tokyo Game Show 2025 (TGS 2025) returns to Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan from September 25–28, promising to be one of the most expansive and inclusive iterations of the event yet. Organized by the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA), the show continues its traditional structure—two business days (Sept 25–26) dedicated to industry professionals, followed by two public days (Sept 27–28) that welcome gamers from around the world.
Theme: A Boundless Playground for Gamers
This year’s theme, “An endless playground where you can’t play enough,” sets the tone for a show centered on limitless creativity and immersive fun. The theme emphasizes the evolving landscape of gaming—from open-world adventures and social sandboxes to emergent AI-powered narratives and cross-reality platforms.
TGS 2025 also debuts a fresh main visual by renowned illustrator Zashiki Warashi, depicting a vibrant, surreal gaming world meant to ignite imagination. A newly redesigned logo accompanies this vision, marking what CESA calls “a new chapter” in the show’s visual identity and direction.
Venue & Layout Overhaul
To accommodate an estimated 2,500 booths, TGS 2025 is reshaping its show floor to create a more inclusive and dynamic space. The new layout decentralizes the largest corporate displays, giving smaller and indie developers greater visibility. This approach reflects a broader industry trend toward celebrating innovation beyond big-budget AAA titles.
In addition, enhanced accessibility measures—such as improved signage, mobile app navigation tools, and multilingual support—are being rolled out to make the venue more navigable for international visitors.
What to Expect: Demos, Reveals, and Next-Gen Experiences
TGS has historically been a launchpad for major reveals from Japanese and international publishers. Expect new trailers, hands-on demos, and gameplay presentations from the likes of Sony, Capcom, Square Enix, Bandai Namco, Sega, and Konami. Hardware companies are also expected to showcase updates on next-gen consoles, AR/VR devices, and AI-enhanced accessories.
The indie game scene will also shine through the “Indie Game Area,” which consistently features genre-defying, experimental titles and often acts as a launchpad for future cult hits.
Tickets & Access Details
Business Days (Sept 25–26): Reserved for developers, publishers, press, and industry analysts.
Public Days (Sept 27–28): Open to all attendees with advance ticket purchase.
Ticket Sales: Set to begin mid-July. Prices are expected to remain similar to past years—around ¥3,000/day (~$20 USD), with free admission for children under elementary school age.
Remote fans won’t miss out either. TGS will continue to stream major presentations live in multiple languages, along with virtual tours of the show floor and playable cloud demos through participating platforms.
Limited-Time Campaigns & Merchandise
To build excitement ahead of the show, organizers launched a special giveaway campaign. Fans who follow the official TGS X (formerly Twitter) account and share the teaser post are entered to win limited-edition merchandise, including T-shirts, mouse pads, and themed accessories. The campaign runs until May 31, 2025—a great way to score exclusive gear ahead of the event.
Immersive On-Site Attractions
As part of its rebranding, TGS 2025 will feature a massive physical installation of the new event logo near the main entrance. Designed as an interactive monument, it’s meant to be a photo-op hotspot and a memorable part of each visitor’s TGS experience.
Attendees can also explore themed zones focused on AI-driven gameplay, sustainability in development, esports showcases, and cross-media storytelling that bridges gaming with anime, manga, and cinema.
TGS 2025 isn’t just a trade show—it’s a celebration of gaming’s future, where fans, developers, and dreamers come together. With a renewed focus on inclusivity, indie innovation, and cutting-edge technology, this year’s Tokyo Game Show is shaping up to be the most forward-looking installment yet. Whether you’re attending in person or tuning in online, get ready for a truly global celebration of play.
Key Takeaways
Tokyo Game Show 2025 runs September 25-28 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba with the theme “Unlimited, Neverending Playground.”
The event follows a traditional format with two business days and two public days for fans to experience new games.
TGS remains one of the gaming industry’s most important global gatherings for showcasing innovations and upcoming releases.
Event Overview
Tokyo Game Show 2025 will run for four days from Thursday, September 25 to Sunday, September 28, 2025. This major gaming event will take place at the Makuhari Messe convention center in Chiba, just outside of Tokyo, Japan.
The schedule includes both Business Days and Public Days, giving industry professionals and gaming enthusiasts different opportunities to attend. The event typically opens to the public on the weekend days.
On Saturday, the show hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, while Sunday hours are slightly different, running from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. These times allow visitors to explore the massive convention space and experience everything the show has to offer.
Tokyo Game Show is one of the world’s premier gaming conventions, showcasing new video game releases, hardware, and innovations from developers around the globe. The 2025 show is expected to continue this tradition of highlighting cutting-edge technology and upcoming titles.
For gaming industry professionals, TGS 2025 provides networking opportunities and a platform to reveal new products. For gaming enthusiasts, it offers hands-on experiences with unreleased games and a chance to connect with the gaming community.
The Hotel New Otani Makuhari is recommended for attendees seeking convenient accommodations near the venue.
Historical Significance
Tokyo Game Show has been a key event for the video game industry since its start. It serves as a platform for game developers to showcase their latest products and upcoming releases.
The event began in the 1990s and has grown into one of the most important gaming conventions in the world. It attracts thousands of visitors each year, including industry professionals and gaming enthusiasts.
Tokyo Game Show is known for revealing major announcements from Japanese developers like Nintendo, Sony, and Sega. These announcements often shape gaming trends for the following year.
Over time, the event has expanded to include more international developers. This has helped it maintain relevance in the global gaming industry despite increased competition from other conventions.
The 2025 Tokyo Game Show will mark another chapter in this long-running tradition. It continues the pattern of being held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, just outside Tokyo, which has been its home for many years.
For indie game developers, Tokyo Game Show offers special opportunities. The 2025 event will feature a “SELECTED INDIE 80” exhibition, giving smaller creators a chance to showcase their work alongside industry giants.
Tokyo Game Show 2024 set the stage for the upcoming 2025 event, continuing the convention’s tradition of innovation and industry leadership in the Asian market.
Location Details
Makuhari Messe will host the Tokyo Game Show 2025 from September 25 to 28. This convention center is located in the Mihama Ward of Chiba, Japan, approximately 25 kilometers east of central Tokyo.
The venue’s address is 2 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba 261-0023, Chiba Prefecture. Makuhari Messe is a large-scale exhibition facility that regularly hosts international events and trade shows.
Visitors can access the venue via Kaihin-Makuhari Station, which connects to central Tokyo through multiple train lines. The station is about a 5-minute walk from the exhibition halls.
Nearby Accommodations:
Hotel New Otani Makuhari (recommended official hotel)
APA Hotel & Resort Tokyo Bay Makuhari
Hotel Francs
The area surrounding Makuhari Messe offers various dining options for attendees. Several restaurants can be found within the venue itself, while the nearby Aeon Mall Makuhari New City provides additional choices ranging from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants.
Food stalls typically operate during the event, offering quick Japanese street food options for those who want to maximize their time exploring the show.
Transportation between central Tokyo and the venue is convenient, with direct train services running regularly throughout the day.
Schedule and Programming
Tokyo Game Show 2025 will run for four days with a mix of business-focused and public-access events. The program includes industry presentations, game demonstrations, and special guest appearances across multiple halls at Makuhari Messe.
Main Events
The Tokyo Game Show 2025 will operate on a split schedule. September 25-26 (Thursday and Friday) are designated as Business Days, primarily for industry professionals and media representatives. September 27-28 (Saturday and Sunday) are Public Days, open to general attendees.
Business Days will run from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, focusing on industry networking, press conferences, and business meetings. Major publishers like Sony, Nintendo, and Sega typically schedule their main announcements during this period.
Public Days will operate from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, allowing gaming enthusiasts to experience new titles firsthand. The weekend programming includes tournaments, cosplay competitions, and stage presentations from developers.
Demonstrations
Exhibition floors will feature hundreds of playable game demos across various platforms. Attendees can expect hands-on experiences with upcoming releases scheduled for late 2025 and early 2026.
VR and AR demonstrations will occupy dedicated sections, showcasing the latest in immersive gaming technology. These areas typically require advance reservations due to high demand.
Mobile gaming pavilions will highlight new smartphone and tablet releases, reflecting the growing importance of this sector in the Japanese market.
Technical demonstrations from major hardware manufacturers will preview next-generation gaming capabilities. These often include specialized booths with limited access requiring early arrival or appointment scheduling.
Exhibitor Line-Up
Major Japanese publishers have confirmed their participation, with Sega, Square Enix, Capcom, and Bandai Namco booking large exhibition spaces. Sony will showcase PlayStation exclusives and upcoming VR titles in their traditionally massive booth area.
Nintendo plans to highlight their upcoming software lineup, though hardware announcements are typically reserved for their Direct presentations. Their booth will feature family-friendly gaming zones and character photo opportunities.
International publishers including Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, and Activision are expected to bring their latest titles. Microsoft’s Xbox division has increased their presence at TGS in recent years.
Indie game developers will gather in the specialized Indie Game Area, where smaller studios showcase innovative titles. This section has grown significantly in recent years.
Special Guests
Game directors and producers from major studios will participate in panel discussions and Q&A sessions throughout the event. These sessions typically require separate reservations or tickets due to limited seating.
Voice actors from popular Japanese games will make appearances for autograph sessions and live performance events. These are scheduled throughout the Public Days but often require advance ticket purchases.
International gaming celebrities and content creators will attend as brand ambassadors and community representatives. Their meet-and-greet sessions are typically announced closer to the event date.
Industry pioneers and gaming legends often make surprise appearances for special anniversary celebrations or retrospective panels. These appearances are highly anticipated but not always announced in advance.
Featured Games and Demos
The Tokyo Game Show 2025 will showcase a variety of exciting game demos across multiple platforms. Visitors will have hands-on opportunities with upcoming titles from major developers and publishers.
Monster Hunter is expected to have a significant presence at the show. Following the success of previous installments, Capcom will likely feature playable demos of their next Monster Hunter title or expansion.
Smartphone games will occupy a dedicated area at the convention. Mobile gaming continues to grow in Japan, with many developers presenting their latest projects for iOS and Android platforms.
Several anticipated demos will be available on both Business Days (September 25-26) and Public Days (September 27-28). However, some exclusive content may only be accessible during specific days.
Popular game categories expected at TGS 2025:
Category
Notable Features
RPGs
Turn-based and action combat systems
Fighting Games
Competitive tournaments and new character reveals
Indie Games
Creative concepts from smaller studios
VR/AR
Immersive experiences with latest technology
Japanese developers will prominently feature their upcoming titles, while international studios will also present their games tailored for the Japanese market.
Many publishers typically use TGS to announce release dates and reveal new trailers. Attendees should expect long lines for the most anticipated demos.
Industry Insights
The Tokyo Game Show 2025 will showcase the latest advancements and trends shaping the future of gaming. The event serves as a barometer for where the global gaming industry is heading, with special attention to emerging technologies and changing player preferences.
Trends in Gaming
Mobile gaming continues to dominate the market, with smartphone games expected to be a major focus at TGS 2025. Analysts predict that cross-platform integration between mobile, console, and PC gaming will be prominently featured by major developers.
Energy efficiency in gaming hardware is becoming increasingly important. Several exhibitors plan to showcase new low-power consumption consoles and peripherals that maintain high performance while reducing environmental impact.
Cloud gaming services are gaining momentum, with major players like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo likely to present their latest streaming technologies. These services allow gamers to play without high-end hardware.
Virtual reality and augmented reality experiences continue to evolve, with more affordable and accessible options expected to debut at the show.
Development Perspectives
Japanese game developers remain central to TGS, but international studios from North America, Europe, and other Asian countries are increasing their presence. This global mix creates a diverse showcase of creative approaches.
Independent developers will have dedicated exhibition space, highlighting the growing importance of indie games in the industry ecosystem. Many indie titles blend traditional Japanese gaming aesthetics with innovative mechanics.
Development tools powered by artificial intelligence are transforming how games are created. Several panels will explore how AI assists with everything from character animation to procedural world-building.
The rising costs of AAA game development will be addressed in industry discussions, with studios exploring new funding models and development approaches to manage budgets effectively.
Technology and Innovation
The Tokyo Game Show 2025 will showcase cutting-edge gaming technology and innovative solutions from both Japanese and international developers. Visitors can expect to see the latest advancements in gaming hardware, including next-generation consoles and peripherals.
Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies will likely take center stage, with immersive demos allowing attendees to experience new dimensions of gameplay. Several major tech companies are expected to unveil their latest gaming innovations during the business days.
The show will also highlight sustainability in gaming technology. Green Energy solutions for gaming hardware will be featured, demonstrating how the industry is working to reduce its environmental footprint.
Battery Japan and the Rechargeable Battery Expo will have a significant presence at TGS 2025. These exhibitions will showcase new developments in battery technology that enable longer gaming sessions and more powerful portable devices.
Energy-efficient hardware will be prominently displayed, reflecting growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible tech products. Companies will demonstrate how they’re implementing sustainable practices in their manufacturing processes.
Cloud gaming technologies will also be featured, showing how gaming is becoming more accessible across different devices and platforms. This technology reduces the need for high-end hardware while maintaining quality gaming experiences.
TGS 2025 will serve as an important platform for developers to demonstrate AI innovations in gaming, including more responsive NPCs and dynamic game environments that adapt to player behavior.
Business Opportunities
Tokyo Game Show 2025 offers exceptional business networking possibilities for industry professionals during its dedicated Business Days on September 25-26. Companies like Gree and other major players in the gaming industry will be present to forge new partnerships.
The first two days of the event are strategically designed for business attendees only, creating an ideal environment for meaningful industry connections without the crowds of general visitors.
Key business opportunities include:
Partnership development with Japanese and international game companies
Investment opportunities in emerging game technologies
Recruitment of talented developers and artists
Distribution deals for bringing games to new markets
Business attendees can participate in specialized meetings, presentations, and networking events that aren’t available during the Public Days. These sessions provide valuable insights into market trends and future directions of the gaming industry.
The 2025 show continues its tradition as one of Asia’s premier business hubs for the gaming sector. Companies looking to expand into Japanese markets will find this event particularly valuable for understanding local consumer preferences.
For maximum benefit, business visitors should schedule appointments with potential partners well in advance. The TGS business matching system helps facilitate these connections efficiently.
Visitor Experience
Attending Tokyo Game Show 2025 offers an immersive journey into gaming culture at one of the world’s premier video game events. The massive convention draws over six million visitors who navigate through extensive exhibition areas featuring the latest gaming innovations.
Navigating the Venue
Makuhari Messe convention center spans a vast area that can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Comfortable shoes are essential as attendees typically walk several kilometers throughout the day exploring different halls.
Event maps are available at information booths and through the official TGS mobile app, which provides real-time updates on panel schedules and booth locations. The venue is divided into specialized zones including business areas (Thursday-Friday) and public exhibition spaces (Saturday-Sunday).
Morning entry tends to have shorter queues, though visitors should expect some waiting time regardless of arrival hour. The convention center is wheelchair accessible with elevators connecting all floors.
Dining Options
Food options at Tokyo Game Show range from quick snacks to full meals across various price points. The venue houses several cafeterias and food courts offering Japanese cuisine alongside international options.
Popular choices include:
Onsite Restaurants: Several permanent restaurants within Makuhari Messe serve set meals
Food Trucks: Located in outdoor areas between halls
Convenience Stores: Available inside the venue for budget-friendly options
During peak lunch hours (12:00-14:00), most dining areas become extremely crowded. Many experienced attendees bring water bottles and light snacks to avoid long food lines.
Themed cafés occasionally appear as part of game promotions, offering special menu items and collectible merchandise related to featured titles.
Merchandise and Souvenirs
Gaming merchandise represents a significant draw for many TGS attendees. Exclusive items often sell out within hours of the show opening, particularly limited edition collectibles and event-specific merchandise.
Popular souvenir categories include:
Item Type
Price Range (¥)
Availability
T-shirts
3,000-5,000
Common
Figurines
5,000-30,000
Limited
Posters
1,000-3,000
Common
Limited Editions
10,000+
Very Limited
Many publishers offer show-exclusive pre-orders for upcoming games. Shopping areas typically experience the highest density of visitors, especially around major publishers like Nintendo, Sony, and Square Enix.
Dedicated merchandise stores are scattered throughout the venue, with the largest concentration in the central shopping zone. Credit cards are widely accepted, though having cash is recommended for smaller vendors.
Related Events
Tokyo Game Show 2025 is part of Japan’s vibrant convention calendar. Other notable events happening around the same time include several trade shows and expositions.
The Tokyo International Gift Show typically occurs in September at Tokyo Big Sight, showcasing the latest in gift merchandise and consumer products.
Life×Design is another exhibition that focuses on lifestyle products and interior design innovations, often scheduled near TGS.
For business and logistics professionals, Logis-Tech Tokyo and Office Service Expo provide platforms for industry networking and new technology demonstrations.
Regional Trade Fairs:
Zhejiang Export Fair (showcasing Chinese manufacturers)
Osaka International Gift Show (western Japan’s counterpart to the Tokyo show)
Energy and Sustainability Events:
Biomass Expo
Green Factory Expo
PV Expo (Photovoltaic Power Generation)
Wind Expo
Anti-Ageing Japan
These events attract international visitors to Japan throughout September and October. While Tokyo Game Show focuses on digital entertainment, these complementary events highlight Japan’s diverse industrial landscape.
Visitors planning to attend TGS 2025 might consider extending their stay to experience these other exhibitions, especially those held at Tokyo Big Sight or nearby venues in the greater Tokyo area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Attendees planning to visit Tokyo Game Show 2025 have several important considerations about tickets, scheduling, accommodations, and special events. The following information addresses common inquiries to help visitors prepare for this major gaming convention.
How can one purchase tickets for the Tokyo Game Show 2025?
Tickets for Tokyo Game Show 2025 will be available through the official Tokyo Game Show website. Visitors can also purchase tickets from authorized ticket vendors in Japan, including convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart.
Online purchases typically open several months before the event. International visitors may have the option to purchase tickets through travel packages or specialized gaming tourism services.
What are the pricing details for different ticket tiers at the Tokyo Game Show 2025?
Standard one-day passes for public days (September 27-28) typically cost around ¥2,500 for adults. Business day passes (September 25-26) are usually priced higher, around ¥5,000, as they provide access during less crowded industry days.
Special VIP packages may also be available with premium pricing that includes early access, exclusive merchandise, and special event invitations. Student discounts are often offered with proper student identification.
What are the operating hours for each day of the Tokyo Game Show 2025 event?
The Tokyo Game Show 2025 will run from September 25 to September 28. Business days (September 25-26) typically operate from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, focusing on industry professionals and media.
Public days (September 27-28) generally run from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, allowing general attendees to experience the exhibition. Entry to the venue may close 30-60 minutes before the official closing time.
How can attendees find accommodation near Makuhari Messe for the duration of Tokyo Game Show 2025?
Hotels near Makuhari Messe book quickly during the Tokyo Game Show. Recommended options include the Hotel New Otani Makuhari, APA Hotel & Resort Tokyo Bay Makuhari, and Hotel Francs.
Visitors can also consider staying in Tokyo proper and commuting to the venue, which is approximately 30 minutes from central Tokyo via the JR Keiyo Line. Booking accommodations 3-6 months in advance is highly recommended due to high demand.
Will there be exclusive industry or business days at the Tokyo Game Show 2025, and how does one gain access?
Yes, September 25-26 are designated as business days at Tokyo Game Show 2025. These days are primarily for industry professionals, developers, publishers, and media representatives.
To gain access to business days, attendees must register as industry professionals through the official TGS website and provide credentials verifying their professional status. Business day passes typically require approval and may have limited availability.
What kind of special events or panels can one expect at the Tokyo Game Show 2025, and will there be participation from major companies like Nintendo?
Tokyo Game Show 2025 will feature keynote presentations, developer panels, gameplay demonstrations, and esports tournaments. Major Japanese publishers like Square Enix, Capcom, Sega, and Bandai Namco typically have significant presence with game reveals.
Historically, Nintendo has limited official participation at TGS, instead focusing on their own Nintendo Direct events. However, games for Nintendo platforms are often showcased by third-party developers. The event will also include cosplay gatherings, merchandise areas, and indie game showcases.
5th BEYOND Expo 2025 Creates an Enduring Legacy for Asian Tech Innovation
A record number of exhibitors and unprecedented investor participation defined this year’s success. New business matchmaking milestones further elevated BEYOND Expo 2025. Fund at First Pitch, Innovation Awards, Founder Stage and Founders Club Among Key Initiatives Supporting Entrepreneurs from across Asia. MACAO, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 5th BEYOND Expo concluded at The Venetian® […]
A record number of exhibitors and unprecedented investor participation defined this year’s success. New business matchmaking milestones further elevated BEYOND Expo 2025.
Fund at First Pitch, Innovation Awards, Founder Stage and Founders Club Among Key Initiatives Supporting Entrepreneurs from across Asia.
MACAO, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 5th BEYOND Expo concluded at The Venetian® Macao’s Cotai with unprecedented momentum, cementing its role as a cornerstone for Asian tech innovation under the theme “Empowering Asia, Bridging the World.” From inspiration by startups to wisdom shared by Alibaba Group’s Chairman Joe Tsai, tech leaders and visionaries illustrated BEYOND Expo’s commitment to supporting tech innovation in Asia. This year’s BEYOND Expo attracted a record-breaking 25,000+ visitors, 800+ exhibitors, 300 media representatives, and over 800 investors, including more than 300 family offices and LPs, from over 120 countries — the highest numbers to date.
Covering sectors from AI, Healthcare, Mobility, Property Tech, Clean Energy, Robotics, Fashion Tech, Sports Tech, to Web3, this year marked the largest and most content-rich BEYOND Expo to date. Beyond the breadth of industry focus, BEYOND Expo also deepened its commitment to regional collaboration through a series of forums spotlighting strategic markets such as Southeast Asia, Japan, the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe. This dual emphasis on sector innovation and regional opportunity positioned BEYOND Expo as one of the most prominent and impactful pan-Asian tech gatherings ever held.
Visitors explore the latest technology at BEYOND Expo 2025. Source: BEYOND Expo
BEYOND Expo Co-Founder Dr. LU Gang said, “This year there has been a tremendous energy around BEYOND Expo, fueled by Asia’s rapid rise in frontier technologies and a greater desire for inter-Asian collaboration and cooperation. The products and solutions on display demonstrate just how much AI is transforming so many aspects of our lives, from the food we eat and the clothes we wear to how we interact with each other. Our ecosystem partners, including media, investors, incubators, and suppliers, are driving this momentum and nurturing next-generation technologies.”
BEYOND Expo recognized some of these innovators by presenting 25 Innovation Awards and hosting competitions such as Fund at First Pitch (FAFP), which attracted 150 competitors. JumpStart Media Executive Chairman James Kwan chaired the 2025 FAFP finale, which featured three high profile investors as judges: Artest Management Group (AMG) Chairman, Metta World Peace; Gobi Partners Co-founder and Chairperson, Thomas Tsao, and Lingotto Innovation Managing Partner & Co-Head, Morgan Samet.
BEYOND Expo Co-Founder Jason Ho added, “The impact of BEYOND Expo 2025 extends beyond the event itself. It has matured into a year-round ecosystem with the BEYOND Global Network and BEYOND Founders Club, initiatives that support the global expansion of Asian tech companies and foster knowledge and resource sharing among entrepreneurs, driving technological advancements to address global challenges.”
Most International Speaker Lineup and Dynamic Stage Experience in BEYOND’s History
During the three-day exhibition, BEYOND Expo delivered its most internationally diverse and intellectually stimulating content lineup ever. More than 300 speakers from across the globe, including Greater China, the United States, United Kingdom, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Brazil, Mexico, UAE, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Pakistan, and beyond, took the stage to share bold ideas and transformative insights.
Seven thematic stages were strategically placed across the expo floor, offering an immersive and accessible experience for all attendees. From visionary keynotes to dynamic roundtables, these sessions spanned global trends and regional collaboration, across topics such as:
Global Vision Summits: The BGlobal Summit, Global Investment Summit, Wealth Summit and Cross-Border E-commerce Ecosystem Forum explored how Asian innovators are scaling globally.
Regional Collaboration Forums: Asia-Europe Tech Forum, Asia-Latam Tech Forum, ORIGIN Southeast Asia Conference, Japan Tech Forum, and the Zayed Sustainability Prize China Forum created rare opportunities for cross-regional partnerships and investment dialogues.
Frontier Tech Spotlights: AI Summit, Web3 + AI Forum, Founders Talk, Transportation & Mobility Summit, Sports Tech Forum, Fashion Tech Forum, International Industrial Design Forum, and Gen Z Founder Forum brought cutting-edge conversations and industry innovation to the forefront.
Women in Tech: The SheTech Summit championed greater representation and leadership for women in the tech ecosystem.
This comprehensive summit program reinforced BEYOND Expo’s status as a leading platform for driving innovation, collaboration, and growth in Asia’s technology ecosystem.
A Special Focus on Asia’s Unicorn Founders
The Opening Ceremony on May 21 convened some of the most influential minds in Asian tech to explore the theme “What’s Next?”. Among the featured speakers were Dr. Jian Wang, President of Zhejiang Lab and Founder of Alibaba Cloud; Carl Pei, Co-founder and CEO of Nothing; Dr. Burt Guo, CEO and Chief Scientist of Sichuan Aerofugia; Yuekai Zhao, Co-founder of Agile Robots SE; and Jingkang Liu, Founder of Insta360. A standout moment was the roundtable with unicorn founders, where these leaders exchanged bold ideas on scaling globally from Asia, a region rapidly emerging as the heartbeat of next-gen innovation.
Building on that momentum, the two-day Founder Talk featured over 30 trailblazing founders driving breakthroughs in AI, robotics, consumer tech, and sustainability. The stage also welcomed over 25 rising stars at the Gen Z Founder Forum and Gen Z Awards Ceremony, where young innovators showcased tech-driven solutions to global challenges. From unicorn visionaries to next-generation disruptors, BEYOND Expo celebrated the full spectrum of entrepreneurial ambition shaping the future of Asia and beyond.
Media Day Previewed BEYOND Expo 2025’s Innovation
Held ahead of the main exhibition, the Media Day welcomed Beyond Expo product showcases, Media Day facilitated meaningful exchanges between innovators and the global press, setting the stage for a high-impact expo with worldwide reach.
Over 100 members of the press gathered to preview cutting-edge innovations ahead of BEYOND Expo 2025. Source: BEYOND Expo
A showcase for the tech-inspired products of the future
BEYOND Expo showcased over 1,000 high-tech products, targeting daily lifestyle and sustainability solutions. These included biodegradable materials, enhanced earphones and speakers, smart eyewear, healthy food, humanoids, medical devices, robotic pets, sleeping aids, and future mobility solutions. B2B applications included AI-reality-inspired software, medical devices, energy-saving and industrial robots.
A visitor to BEYOND Expo 2025 enjoys ice-cream served by a robot. Source: BEYOND Expo
Unmatched B2B Engagement and Industry Matchmaking
For the first time, BEYOND Expo hosted multiple on-site business matchmaking sessions over three days, connecting key industry players. Major corporations such as China State Construction International, China Taiping, Sands China, CATL, Tokyu Land Corporation, BMW Group, Sony, Makuake, Mitsubishi Estate, and Panasonic participated, signaling strong demand for real-time, high-value engagement between corporates and innovators. These sessions provided both sides with an efficient platform to identify strategic partners and explore collaborative opportunities.
International Delegations and Buyer Groups Expand Global Reach
This year also saw the participation of numerous international delegations and “buyer groups,” further amplifying BEYOND Expo’s reach. Representatives from Deloitte China, BMW Group, Japanese buyer groups, Western crowdfunding platform executives, and prominent overseas influencers all engaged with exhibitors, many of whom reported valuable feedback and new partnership leads. BEYOND Expo was positioned as a global gateway for companies aiming to scale across Asia and beyond, while spotlighting the region’s confidence and capacity in innovation.
Backing the Region’s Boldest Innovators
BEYOND Expo further strengthened its commitment to supporting emerging companies with expanded programming tailored for startups. At the heart of Growth Park, a newly launched multi-purpose stage served as a high-impact arena for product unveilings, startup-focused events, and strategic partnership announcements. The Demo Stage, a headline feature of this space, gave rising tech companies the chance to debut their latest innovations in front of a global audience, including investors, media, and industry leaders.
After Hours: Where Innovation Met Entertainment
As day turned to night, BEYOND Expo 2025 transformed into a vibrant celebration where technology and culture seamlessly converged. Each evening featured exclusive events that blended immersive entertainment with meaningful networking opportunities. From Welcome Night and Gala Dinner to dynamic pool parties energized by live DJs, an electrifying performance by Jax Jones, and the breathtaking Cirque Le Soir circus spectacle, BEYOND Expo offered unforgettable experiences that extended the spirit of innovation well beyond the conference halls.
BEYOND Expo 2025 Partners
BEYOND Expo 2025 was made possible with the generous support of Strategic Partners China State Construction International Holdings Limited and China Taiping; Platinum Partners Taobao 88VIP and Macau Pass | MPay; Gold Partner Nam Kwong (Group) Company Limited; Sustainability Partner the Zayed Sustainability Prize; and Venue Partner Sands China Ltd. Additional partners included Asian Family Legacy Foundation, ChainNeXT, Design School of Hunan University, Founders Breakfast, Greenwich Economic Forum, GWA, MAP, INNOBAKER, IESt, Lushan Laboratory, ReGACY Innovation Group, RMI, Sherewires, SIEF, TNGlobal, wteam, and yehyehyeh.
A full list of participating companies can be found here: BEYOND EXPO 2025
About BEYOND Expo
The BEYOND International Technology Innovation Expo (BEYOND Expo) is Asia’s leading annual technology event. Serving as a dynamic platform since 2021, BEYOND Expo not only showcases global technological innovations but also provides a unique opportunity to foster innovation upgrades across diverse industries and regions.
BEYOND Expo has attracted participation from Asia’s Fortune 500 companies, multinational corporations, unicorn companies, and emerging startups. Through a multifaceted approach involving expos, summits, and various activities, BEYOND Expo has successfully cultivated an innovative ecosystem, propelling collective development in the Asia-Pacific region and the global technology innovation industry. www.beyondexpo.com
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5th BEYOND Expo 2025 Creates an Enduring Legacy for Asian Tech Innovation
A record number of exhibitors and unprecedented investor participation defined this year’s success. New business matchmaking milestones further elevated BEYOND Expo 2025. Fund at First Pitch, Innovation Awards, Founder Stage and Founders Club Among Key Initiatives Supporting Entrepreneurs from across Asia. MACAO, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 5th BEYOND Expo concluded at The Venetian® […]
A record number of exhibitors and unprecedented investor participation defined this year’s success. New business matchmaking milestones further elevated BEYOND Expo 2025.
Fund at First Pitch, Innovation Awards, Founder Stage and Founders Club Among Key Initiatives Supporting Entrepreneurs from across Asia.
MACAO, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 5th BEYOND Expo concluded at The Venetian® Macao’s Cotai with unprecedented momentum, cementing its role as a cornerstone for Asian tech innovation under the theme “Empowering Asia, Bridging the World.” From inspiration by startups to wisdom shared by Alibaba Group’s Chairman Joe Tsai, tech leaders and visionaries illustrated BEYOND Expo’s commitment to supporting tech innovation in Asia. This year’s BEYOND Expo attracted a record-breaking 25,000+ visitors, 800+ exhibitors, 300 media representatives, and over 800 investors, including more than 300 family offices and LPs, from over 120 countries — the highest numbers to date.
Visitors explore the latest technology at BEYOND Expo 2025. Source: BEYOND Expo
Over 100 members of the press gathered to preview cutting-edge innovations ahead of BEYOND Expo 2025. Source: BEYOND Expo
A visitor to BEYOND Expo 2025 enjoys ice-cream served by a robot. Source: BEYOND Expo
Covering sectors from AI, Healthcare, Mobility, Property Tech, Clean Energy, Robotics, Fashion Tech, Sports Tech, to Web3, this year marked the largest and most content-rich BEYOND Expo to date. Beyond the breadth of industry focus, BEYOND Expo also deepened its commitment to regional collaboration through a series of forums spotlighting strategic markets such as Southeast Asia, Japan, the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe. This dual emphasis on sector innovation and regional opportunity positioned BEYOND Expo as one of the most prominent and impactful pan-Asian tech gatherings ever held.
BEYOND Expo Co-Founder Dr. LU Gang said, “This year there has been a tremendous energy around BEYOND Expo, fueled by Asia’s rapid rise in frontier technologies and a greater desire for inter-Asian collaboration and cooperation. The products and solutions on display demonstrate just how much AI is transforming so many aspects of our lives, from the food we eat and the clothes we wear to how we interact with each other. Our ecosystem partners, including media, investors, incubators, and suppliers, are driving this momentum and nurturing next-generation technologies.”
BEYOND Expo recognized some of these innovators by presenting 25 Innovation Awards and hosting competitions such as Fund at First Pitch (FAFP), which attracted 150 competitors. JumpStart Media Executive Chairman James Kwan chaired the 2025 FAFP finale, which featured three high profile investors as judges: Artest Management Group (AMG) Chairman, Metta World Peace; Gobi Partners Co-founder and Chairperson, Thomas Tsao, and Lingotto Innovation Managing Partner & Co-Head, Morgan Samet.
BEYOND Expo Co-Founder Jason Ho added, “The impact of BEYOND Expo 2025 extends beyond the event itself. It has matured into a year-round ecosystem with the BEYOND Global Network and BEYOND Founders Club, initiatives that support the global expansion of Asian tech companies and foster knowledge and resource sharing among entrepreneurs, driving technological advancements to address global challenges.”
Most International Speaker Lineup and Dynamic Stage Experience in BEYOND’s History
During the three-day exhibition, BEYOND Expo delivered its most internationally diverse and intellectually stimulating content lineup ever. More than 300 speakers from across the globe, including Greater China, the United States, United Kingdom, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Brazil, Mexico, UAE, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Pakistan, and beyond, took the stage to share bold ideas and transformative insights.
Seven thematic stages were strategically placed across the expo floor, offering an immersive and accessible experience for all attendees. From visionary keynotes to dynamic roundtables, these sessions spanned global trends and regional collaboration, across topics such as:
Global Vision Summits: The BGlobal Summit, Global Investment Summit, Wealth Summit and Cross-Border E-commerce Ecosystem Forum explored how Asian innovators are scaling globally.
Regional Collaboration Forums: Asia-Europe Tech Forum, Asia-Latam Tech Forum, ORIGIN Southeast Asia Conference, Japan Tech Forum, and the Zayed Sustainability Prize China Forum created rare opportunities for cross-regional partnerships and investment dialogues.
Frontier Tech Spotlights: AI Summit, Web3 + AI Forum, Founders Talk, Transportation & Mobility Summit, Sports Tech Forum, Fashion Tech Forum, International Industrial Design Forum, and Gen Z Founder Forum brought cutting-edge conversations and industry innovation to the forefront.
Women in Tech: The SheTech Summit championed greater representation and leadership for women in the tech ecosystem.
This comprehensive summit program reinforced BEYOND Expo’s status as a leading platform for driving innovation, collaboration, and growth in Asia’s technology ecosystem.
A Special Focus on Asia’s Unicorn Founders
The Opening Ceremony on May 21 convened some of the most influential minds in Asian tech to explore the theme “What’s Next?”. Among the featured speakers were Dr. Jian Wang, President of Zhejiang Lab and Founder of Alibaba Cloud; Carl Pei, Co-founder and CEO of Nothing; Dr. Burt Guo, CEO and Chief Scientist of Sichuan Aerofugia; Yuekai Zhao, Co-founder of Agile Robots SE; and Jingkang Liu, Founder of Insta360. A standout moment was the roundtable with unicorn founders, where these leaders exchanged bold ideas on scaling globally from Asia, a region rapidly emerging as the heartbeat of next-gen innovation.
Building on that momentum, the two-day Founder Talk featured over 30 trailblazing founders driving breakthroughs in AI, robotics, consumer tech, and sustainability. The stage also welcomed over 25 rising stars at the Gen Z Founder Forum and Gen Z Awards Ceremony, where young innovators showcased tech-driven solutions to global challenges. From unicorn visionaries to next-generation disruptors, BEYOND Expo celebrated the full spectrum of entrepreneurial ambition shaping the future of Asia and beyond.
Media Day Previewed BEYOND Expo 2025’s Innovation
Held ahead of the main exhibition, the Media Day welcomed Beyond Expo product showcases, Media Day facilitated meaningful exchanges between innovators and the global press, setting the stage for a high-impact expo with worldwide reach.
A showcase for the tech-inspired products of the future
BEYOND Expo showcased over 1,000 high-tech products, targeting daily lifestyle and sustainability solutions. These included biodegradable materials, enhanced earphones and speakers, smart eyewear, healthy food, humanoids, medical devices, robotic pets, sleeping aids, and future mobility solutions. B2B applications included AI-reality-inspired software, medical devices, energy-saving and industrial robots.
Unmatched B2B Engagement and Industry Matchmaking
For the first time, BEYOND Expo hosted multiple on-site business matchmaking sessions over three days, connecting key industry players. Major corporations such as China State Construction International, China Taiping, Sands China, CATL, Tokyu Land Corporation, BMW Group, Sony, Makuake, Mitsubishi Estate, and Panasonic participated, signaling strong demand for real-time, high-value engagement between corporates and innovators. These sessions provided both sides with an efficient platform to identify strategic partners and explore collaborative opportunities.
International Delegations and Buyer Groups Expand Global Reach
This year also saw the participation of numerous international delegations and “buyer groups,” further amplifying BEYOND Expo’s reach. Representatives from Deloitte China, BMW Group, Japanese buyer groups, Western crowdfunding platform executives, and prominent overseas influencers all engaged with exhibitors, many of whom reported valuable feedback and new partnership leads. BEYOND Expo was positioned as a global gateway for companies aiming to scale across Asia and beyond, while spotlighting the region’s confidence and capacity in innovation.
Backing the Region’s Boldest Innovators
BEYOND Expo further strengthened its commitment to supporting emerging companies with expanded programming tailored for startups. At the heart of Growth Park, a newly launched multi-purpose stage served as a high-impact arena for product unveilings, startup-focused events, and strategic partnership announcements. The Demo Stage, a headline feature of this space, gave rising tech companies the chance to debut their latest innovations in front of a global audience, including investors, media, and industry leaders.
After Hours: Where Innovation Met Entertainment
As day turned to night, BEYOND Expo 2025 transformed into a vibrant celebration where technology and culture seamlessly converged. Each evening featured exclusive events that blended immersive entertainment with meaningful networking opportunities. From Welcome Night and Gala Dinner to dynamic pool parties energized by live DJs, an electrifying performance by Jax Jones, and the breathtaking Cirque Le Soir circus spectacle, BEYOND Expo offered unforgettable experiences that extended the spirit of innovation well beyond the conference halls.
BEYOND Expo 2025 Partners
BEYOND Expo 2025 was made possible with the generous support of Strategic Partners China State Construction International Holdings Limited and China Taiping; Platinum Partners Taobao 88VIP and Macau Pass | MPay; Gold Partner Nam Kwong (Group) Company Limited; Sustainability Partner the Zayed Sustainability Prize; and Venue Partner Sands China Ltd. Additional partners included Asian Family Legacy Foundation, ChainNeXT, Design School of Hunan University, Founders Breakfast, Greenwich Economic Forum, GWA, MAP, INNOBAKER, IESt, Lushan Laboratory, ReGACY Innovation Group, RMI, Sherewires, SIEF, TNGlobal, wteam, and yehyehyeh.
A full list of participating companies can be found here: BEYOND EXPO 2025
About BEYOND Expo
The BEYOND International Technology Innovation Expo (BEYOND Expo) is Asia’s leading annual technology event. Serving as a dynamic platform since 2021, BEYOND Expo not only showcases global technological innovations but also provides a unique opportunity to foster innovation upgrades across diverse industries and regions.
BEYOND Expo has attracted participation from Asia’s Fortune 500 companies, multinational corporations, unicorn companies, and emerging startups. Through a multifaceted approach involving expos, summits, and various activities, BEYOND Expo has successfully cultivated an innovative ecosystem, propelling collective development in the Asia-Pacific region and the global technology innovation industry. www.beyondexpo.com
China clears rare earths export applications, not clear if Indian companies included – Firstpost
China’s decision in April to halt exports of a wide range of rare earths and related magnets disrupted global supply chains, affecting industries from automotive and aerospace to semiconductors and defence read more China said Saturday (June 7) it is prepared to accelerate the approval process for rare earth exports to European Union companies and […]
China’s decision in April to halt exports of a wide range of rare earths and related magnets disrupted global supply chains, affecting industries from automotive and aerospace to semiconductors and defence
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China said Saturday (June 7) it is prepared to accelerate the approval process for rare earth exports to European Union companies and will issue a final ruling on its trade probe into EU brandy imports by July 5.
The developments come amid broader efforts to resolve ongoing trade tensions between Beijing and Brussels. Talks were held earlier this week in Paris between Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, China’s Commerce Ministry said in a statement.
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Price commitment discussions on Chinese-made electric vehicles exported to the EU have also reached the final phase. “Efforts from both sides are still needed,” the ministry said. The ministry added that China “was willing to establish a green channel for qualified applications to speed up the approval process” for rare earth exports.
It also noted that Beijing recognised rising demand for rare earth materials across sectors including electric vehicles and robotics and that it “was willing to further strengthen communication and dialogue with relevant countries” on the matter.
Rare earths and trade friction
China’s decision in April to halt exports of a wide range of rare earths and related magnets disrupted global supply chains, affecting industries from automotive and aerospace to semiconductors and defence. The move has become a flashpoint in EU-China trade relations.
The ministry said it “attached great importance to the EU’s concerns” and indicated it would work to resolve the bottleneck in a timely manner.
Brandy duties under review
China’s anti-dumping duties of up to 39 per cent on European brandy, particularly French cognac, were implemented shortly after the EU imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. The Chinese measures have impacted major French producers including LVMH’s Hennessy, Pernod Ricard’s Martell, and Remy Cointreau.
French President Emmanuel Macron previously accused Beijing of “pure retaliation” over the duties.
Beijing had initially planned to announce a final decision on the brandy investigation in January, later postponing it to April and now July 5. On Saturday, the Commerce Ministry confirmed that French firms and industry associations had submitted price commitment proposals and that investigators had reached agreement on key terms.
“Chinese authorities are now reviewing the complete text on those commitments and will issue a final announcement before July 5,” the statement said.
Electric vehicle negotiations ongoing
The European Commission said in April it was working with Beijing to consider a minimum price framework for Chinese electric vehicles in lieu of the tariffs imposed in 2023. China’s Commerce Ministry said the EU also proposed examining “new technical paths” related to electric vehicles, and that China was now evaluating those ideas.
Wang also told Sefcovic that China hoped the EU would “meet us halfway and take effective measures to facilitate, safeguard and promote compliant trade in high-tech products to China.”
Your Google Pixel Watch could be about to get a useful new security feature
A new Pixel Watch feature has been spotted It would auto-lock your phone if your watch was disconnected We’re not sure when the feature may launch Code spotted in the latest Pixel Watch app for Android suggests there’s a new feature on the way for the Google Pixel Watch 3 and older models: the ability […]
It would auto-lock your phone if your watch was disconnected
We’re not sure when the feature may launch
Code spotted in the latest Pixel Watch app for Android suggests there’s a new feature on the way for the Google Pixel Watch 3 and older models: the ability to have your phone automatically lock itself when it’s out of range of your smartwatch.
This code was found by the team at Android Authority, and while it hasn’t been enabled yet – and there’s no word yet on when it might be – the feature would be a useful security upgrade if you pair a Pixel Watch with an Android smartphone.
How Modern Fitness Leverages Phone Tech for Enhanced Training
Technology has changed nearly every part of our daily lives—and fitness is no exception. Gone are the days when a simple stopwatch and running shoes were all you needed. Today’s workouts are powered by digital tools, smart devices, and apps that track, coach, and motivate. Whether you’re logging miles, lifting weights, or just taking a […]
Technology has changed nearly every part of our daily lives—and fitness is no exception. Gone are the days when a simple stopwatch and running shoes were all you needed. Today’s workouts are powered by digital tools, smart devices, and apps that track, coach, and motivate.
Whether you’re logging miles, lifting weights, or just taking a walk, phone-based tech paired with wireless audio gear is redefining what it means to train smart.
The Smartphone: Your All-in-One Fitness Companion
Your phone has become a personal trainer, nutrition coach, heart rate monitor, and motivational speaker all in one. With thousands of fitness apps and health-tracking features built in, smartphones are now essential for anyone serious about training—whether you’re a beginner or an athlete.
Key fitness features your phone can offer include:
Activity tracking (steps, calories, distance)
GPS route mapping for outdoor runs and rides
Workout logging through apps and cloud sync
Video coaching and live classes
Heart rate and sleep data, when paired with wearables
Music and podcast streaming for motivation
But none of this tech truly comes to life without seamless audio. That’s where fitness earbuds come into play.
Why Audio Matters During Workouts
Sound plays a powerful role in exercise. Music can increase endurance, reduce perceived exertion, and help you get “in the zone.” The rhythm of your playlist can influence your pace and energy. For many, workouts are not complete without their go-to tracks.
But audio isn’t just about music anymore. You may also rely on:
Voice cues from a fitness app (“30 seconds left!”)
Live coaching from virtual trainers
Real-time stats delivered through audio (like distance, pace, or heart rate)
Motivational podcasts or meditative soundscapes
To hear these clearly and without interruption, you need earbuds that are made for movement, sweat, and durability—hence, fitness earbuds.
The Role of Fitness Earbuds in Tech-Enhanced Training
Fitness earbuds are specifically designed to support active lifestyles. Unlike standard earbuds, they’re built with features that cater to workout needs—secure fit, water resistance, long battery life, and seamless connectivity with smartphones.
Here’s how they enhance training:
1. Freedom of Movement
Wireless designs remove the hassle of cords, allowing for full range of motion. Whether you’re sprinting or lifting, you can move without adjusting or untangling wires.
2. Staying in the Zone
By delivering crisp audio directly to your ears, fitness earbuds block out distractions and let you stay focused. Some even offer ambient sound modes so you can remain aware of your surroundings while still enjoying your playlist or coaching session.
3. Consistency Across Workouts
Whether you’re switching from a treadmill run to a yoga cooldown or taking your routine outdoors, fitness earbuds adapt to different environments. They connect quickly to your phone, keep your audio steady, and withstand the conditions—be it sweat, rain, or motion.
Audio-Guided Workouts: A Growing Trend
One of the most significant ways modern tech is changing fitness is through audio-guided workouts. These sessions are delivered via your phone, narrated by a coach, and designed to guide you through structured training—whether it’s a 5K plan, a HIIT circuit, or even a meditation.
Fitness earbuds make these sessions possible in real time, offering a hands-free way to follow expert instruction without looking at your screen. This is especially helpful during:
Outdoor runs, when you want coaching without distractions
Gym routines, where your phone stays in your pocket
At-home workouts, when you need step-by-step direction
Integration with Smart Devices
Fitness earbuds also pair well with other smart gear, like watches, fitness trackers, and gym equipment. Your phone often acts as the central hub that collects data and distributes it to all devices. This means your earbuds can provide feedback based on real-time metrics.
For example, your earbuds might tell you when you’ve reached your target heart rate zone or prompt you to hydrate during a long session. The seamless communication between phone apps and earbuds creates a more informed, efficient workout.
The Psychological Edge
Beyond the physical benefits, fitness earbuds also provide a psychological edge. Just wearing them can signal that it’s time to focus—triggering a mental shift into workout mode. They help create a routine, establish consistency, and make your workouts more personal and immersive.
Even something as simple as hearing your favorite song at the right moment can push you to complete that last set or go the extra mile. When fitness becomes part of your lifestyle, having earbuds that support your mindset is key.
Final Thoughts
As fitness continues to evolve, the integration of mobile technology and smart audio is becoming non-negotiable. Your smartphone may be the brain of your workout, but fitness earbuds are the voice. They deliver motivation, instruction, and rhythm—directly into your ears—making every session more connected and more effective.
From virtual trainers to audio-guided runs, we’ve entered a new era of exercise—one that’s mobile, smart, and deeply personal. With the right tools, you don’t just train harder—you train smarter. And it all starts with sound that moves with you.
Ahead of WWDC 2025, These 6 Apple Intelligence Features Are the Ones I’ve Embraced
I’m looking forward to what Apple announces at WWDC 2025, specifically how it’s going to improve Apple Intelligence in the face of competition from Google Gemini and every other AI service clambering for dominance. Of the features Apple has rolled out over the past year, several have rolled into my daily iPhone and Mac use. CNET I sat down to […]
I’m looking forward to what Apple announces at WWDC 2025, specifically how it’s going to improve Apple Intelligence in the face of competition from Google Gemini and every other AI service clambering for dominance. Of the features Apple has rolled out over the past year, several have rolled into my daily iPhone and Mac use.
CNET
I sat down to figure out just which of the current Apple Intelligence features I actually use. They aren’t necessarily the showy ones, like Image Playground, but ones that help in small, significant ways. Admittedly, Apple Intelligence has gotten off to a rocky start, from misleading message summaries to delayed Siri improvements but the AI tech is far from being a bust.
If you have a compatible iPhone — an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16E, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro (or their Plus and Max variants) — I want to share six features that I’m turning to nearly every day.
More features will be added as time goes on — and keep in mind that Apple Intelligence is still officially beta software — but this is where Apple is starting its AI age.
On the other hand: Are you not impressed with Apple Intelligence or want to wait until the tools evolve more before using them? You can easily turn off Apple Intelligence entirely or use a smaller subset of features.
Get alerted to priority notifications
This feature arrived only recently, but it’s become one of my favorites. When a notification arrives that seems like it could be more important than others, Prioritize Notifications pops it to the top of the notification list on the lock screen (with a colorful Apple Intelligence shimmer, of course). In my experience so far, those include weather alerts, texts from people I regularly communicate with and email messages that contain calls to action or impending deadlines.
To enable it, go to Settings > Notifications > Prioritize Notifications and then turn the option on. You can also enable or disable priority alerts from individual apps from the same screen. You’re relying on the AI algorithms to decide what gets elevated to a priority — but it seems to be off to a good start.
Apple Intelligence can prioritize notifications to grab your attention.
Screenshot by Jeff Carlson/CNET
Summaries bring TL;DR to your correspondence
In an era with so many demands on our attention and seemingly less time to dig into longer topics … Sorry, what was I saying?
Oh, right: How often have you wanted a “too long; didn’t read” version of not just long emails but the fire hose of communication that blasts your way? The ability to summarize notifications, Mail messages and web pages is perhaps the most pervasive and least intrusive feature of Apple Intelligence so far.
When a notification arrives, such as a text from a friend or group in Messages, the iPhone creates a short, single-sentence summary.
Apple Intelligence summarized two text messages.
Screenshot by Jeff Carlson/CNET
Sometimes summaries are vague and sometimes they’re unintentionally funny but so far I’ve found them to be more helpful than not. Summaries can also be generated from alerts by third-party apps like news or social media apps — although I suspect that my outdoor security camera is picking up multiple passersby over time and not telling me that 10 people are stacked by the door.
Nobody told me there’s a party at my house.
Screenshot by Jeff Carlson/CNET
That said, Apple Intelligence definitely doesn’t understand sarcasm or colloquialisms — you can turn summaries off if you prefer.
You can also generate a longer summary of emails in the Mail app: Tap the Summarize button at the top of a message to view a rundown of the contents in a few dozen words.
In Safari, when viewing a page where the Reader feature is available, tap the Page Menu button in the address bar, tap Show Reader and then tap the Summary button at the top of the page.
Summarize long articles in Safari in the Reader interface.
Screenshot by Jeff Carlson/CNET
Siri gets a glow-up and better interaction
I was amused during the iOS 18 and the iPhone 16 releases that the main visual indicator of Apple Intelligence — the full-screen, color-at-the-edges Siri animation — was noticeably missing. Apple even lit up the edges of the massive glass cube of its Apple Fifth Avenue Store in New York City like a Siri search.
Instead, iOS 18 used the same-old Siri sphere. Now, the modern Siri look has arrived as of iOS 18.1, but only on devices that support Apple Intelligence. If you’re wondering why you’re still seeing the old interface, I can recommend some steps to turn on the new experience.
Siri under Apple Intelligence looks like a multicolor halo around the edges.
James Martin/CNET
With the new look are a few Siri interaction improvements: It’s more forgiving if you stumble through a query, like saying the wrong word or interrupting yourself mid-thought. It’s also better about listening after delivering results, so you can ask related followup questions.
However, the ability to personalize answers based on what Apple Intelligence knows about you is still down the road. What did appear, as of iOS 18.2, was integration of ChatGPT, which you can now use as an alternate source of information. For some queries, if Siri doesn’t have the answer right away, you’re asked if you’d like to use ChatGPT instead. You don’t need a ChatGPT account to take advantage of this (but if you do have one, you can sign in).
Invoke Siri silently without triggering everyone else’s devices
Perhaps my favorite new Siri feature is the ability to bring up the assistant without saying the words “Hey Siri” out loud. In my house, where I have HomePods and my family members use their own iPhones and iPads, I never know which device is going to answer my call (even though they’re supposed to be smart enough to work it out).
Plus, honestly, even after all this time I’m not always comfortable talking to my phone — especially in public. It’s annoying enough when people carry on phone conversations on speaker, I don’t want to add to the hubbub by making Siri requests.
Instead, I turn to a new feature called Tap to Siri. Double-tap the bottom edge of the screen on the iPhone or iPad to bring up the Siri search bar and the onscreen keyboard.
Double-tap the bar at the bottom of the screen to bring up a voice-free Siri search.
Screenshot by Jeff Carlson/CNET
On a Mac, go to System Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and choose a key combination under Keyboard shortcut, such as Press Either Command Key Twice.
Yes, this involves more typing work than just speaking conversationally, but I can enter more specific queries and not wonder if my robot friend is understanding what I’m saying.
Remove distractions from your pictures using Clean Up in the Photos app
Until iOS 18.1, the Photos app on the iPhone and iPad lacked a simple retouch feature. Dust on the camera lens? Litter on the ground? Sorry, you need to deal with those and other distractions in the Photos app on MacOS or using a third-party app.
Now Apple Intelligence includes Clean Up, an AI-enhanced removal tool, in the Photos app. When you edit an image and tap the Clean Up button, the iPhone analyzes the photo and suggests potential items to remove by highlighting them. Tap one or draw a circle around an area — the app erases those areas and uses generative AI to fill in plausible pixels.
Remove distractions in the Photos app using Clean Up.
Screenshot by Jeff Carlson/CNET
In this first incarnation, Clean Up isn’t perfect and you’ll often get better results in other dedicated image editors. But for quickly removing annoyances from photos, it’s fine.
Stay on task with the AI-boosted Reduce Interruptions Focus mode
Focus modes on the iPhone can be enormously helpful, such as turning on Do Not Disturb to insulate yourself from outside distractions. You can also create personalized Focus modes. For example, my Podcast Recording mode blocks outside notifications except from a handful of people during scheduled recording times.
With Apple Intelligence enabled, a new Reduce Interruptions Focus mode is available. When active, it becomes a smarter filter for what gets past the wall holding back superfluous notifications. Even things that are not specified in your criteria for allowed notifications, such as specific people, might pop up. On my iPhone, for instance, that can include weather alerts or texts from my bank when a large purchase or funds transfer has occurred.
To enable it, open Control Center, tap the Focus button and choose Reduce Interruptions.
The Reduce Interruptions Focus mode (left) intelligently filters possible distractions. Turn it on in Control Center (middle). When something comes in that might need your attention, it shows up as a notification marked Maybe Important (right).
Screenshot by Jeff Carlson/CNET
For more on Apple Intelligence features, check out how to create Genmoji, how to use Image Wand and, if you want to scale things back, how to disable select Apple Intelligence features.
Watch this: Apple Intelligence Impressions: Don’t Expect Radical Change
Your iPhone Wants These 11 Essential Accessories in the New Year
STEPHEN A. CALLS OUT LEBRON for Giannis and NBA eras comments 
| First Take
