The Connected Decade:

Global trends in Connected Technology and Assurant’s role in an evolving ecosystem

Welcome to the Connected Decade!

Assurant closely monitors global trends in connected technology to identify strategic opportunities that drive growth for our partners in the connected lifestyle ecosystem. As these technologies reshape consumer behaviour, our insights become essential for mobile operators, retailers, manufacturers and service providers.

Our Connected Decade 2025 study covers nine key markets. The analysis reveals common patterns and significant differences in technology adoption, highlighting concrete opportunities to add value through support, protection, service, and sustainability solutions.

Key findings from the 2025 UK Connected Decade Research

The research aims to address the fundamental topics: Support, Protection, Service, AI and Sustainability.

Specific questions were added to explore complementary topics such as electric mobility, retail, and refurbished smartphones.

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Digitalisation in the UK continues to expand, with a strong and diverse tech ecosystem.
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Technological innovation is driving device renewal and adoption, as consumers become increasingly interested in the potential of AI, 5G connectivity, and home automation.
Security has become a key purchasing factor, with increasing demand for extended warranties and additional protection plans.
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Consumers seek to ensure the durability and long-term value of their devices, making protection an essential component of the digital ecosystem.

The 2025 Connected Decade Report

Read the key findings from our research to discover consumer insights on:

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  • Connected Living
  • Connected Devices
  • Sustainability
  • Protective Services
Connected Decade EBook 2025

EBooks - The Latest in Connected Decade Research

Evolving Behaviors for Connected Consumers Across the Globe

Kicked off in 2020, Assurant will be analyzing and sharing insights into connected consumer buying behaviors around the world over the next ten years. The Connected Decade research is designed to provide actionable insights that help us work together to enhance existing programs and create new programs that meet your consumers' needs during this evolution.

Our study spans nine countries, surveying participants who represent shifting consumer attitudes across Australia, Canada, Brazil, Japan, the United Kingdom Germany, Mexico, South Korea and India. Consumer sentiments outlined in the study reveal substantial opportunities for connected living companies.

Latest Connected Decade Insights from Assurant

Lower latency, increased data capacity, automation and truly intelligent technology will create virtually endless possibilities for connected consumers in the next decade. ‘Smart cities’ are now within reach. Real interoperability between smart homes, cars and mobile devices will be solidified. And enterprise applications for industry-specific advancements are expected to be enormous.
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People Around the World Agree: Tech is Improving Life

Among its many impacts, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of connected products around the world. Smart technology quickly became the primary method many of us used to connect to family and friends, and to work or learn from home – and it performed well.

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Connected Tech Use is at an All-Time High

While the numbers for connected product use are up 50% in the U.S., frustration rose in a similar arc. More than 46% of U.S. consumers say they’ve had challenges with their smart tech — a 35% increase from 2019.
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Growth of Interest for Refurbished Devices

In continental Europe, purchasing refurbished devices is still not as popular as premium new devices, but in the UK, they surpass buying a new device
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The importance of mobile trade-in, for your business, the environment and your customers.

Technology has helped make mobile phones become an essential part of human life. However, the average mobile device consumer will not use the same device indefinitely
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Assurant is a trading name of the following companies registered in England and Wales having their registered office addresses at Emerald Buildings, Westmere Drive, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 6UN: Assurant Group Limited (No. 3264846), Assurant General Insurance Limited (No. 2341082), Assurant Intermediary Limited (No. 4019801), Lifestyle Services Group Limited (No. 5114385), Assurant Device Care Limited (No. 07068992), Assurant Direct Limited (No. 5399683) and Assurant Co. (PG UK), Ltd. (No. 12927466) and the following companies registered in England and Wales having their registered office addresses at Emerald Buildings, Westmere Drive, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 6UN: TWG Europe Limited (No. 06917014), London General Insurance Company Limited (No. 01865673) and TWG Services Limited (No. 01883565).

Assurant General Insurance Limited and London General Insurance Company Limited are authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Lifestyle Services Group Limited, Assurant Intermediary Limited and TWG Services Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.