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Smartphones Are Becoming a Digital Hub: Implications for Accessibility in Aotearoa

Smartphones are evolving fast. A recent analysis by NielsenIQ shows that by 2030, smartphones won’t just be tools we carry. They will become fully integrated “life hubs” that connect our homes, workplaces, transport and personal data in seamless ways. They’ll use AI to anticipate our needs and shift towards voice, gesture and ambient interaction rather than touchscreens.  

This global shift is already underway in Aotearoa New Zealand and it has big implications for digital accessibility. 

A colourful mix of modern smartphones standing together, each with bright, eye‑catching home screens. The different sizes and styles show a variety of phone designs and operating systems.

The changing smartphone landscape 

The NielsenIQ article highlights several major changes shaping the smartphones of the future: 

  • More ambient interaction through voice, AR, and wearables, with less reliance on screens 

  • Gesturebased controls in 3D space 

  • Emotionaware interfaces that adjust tone or visuals based on user mood 

  • Predictive multitasking, where devices preload apps and content before the user asks. 

These features sound exciting, but they also risk making technology less accessible if we don’t plan ahead. 

New Zealanders are more mobile dependent than ever 

Smartphones are central to everyday life in Aotearoa: 

  • New Zealand had 6.03 million mobile connections in early 2025 (115% of the population) — increasing to 6.22 million by late 2025 (118%).  

  • Nearly half of all device use is mobile: 48.97% mobile, 48.18% desktop, and only 2.84% tablet.  

  • Internet penetration is extremely high at 96.2% in both early and late 2025.  

  • Social media engagement is widespread, with 4.14 million social media identities in 2025 (79% of the population), rising to 4.24 million by late 2025 (80.6%). 

Aotearoa is clearly a mobile-first country — which means mobile accessibility is not optional. 

The mobile market shows strong platform diversity 

Different devices behave differently, and that matters for accessibility testing. In mid2025: 

  • Apple held 38.8% of the smartphone market 
  • Samsung held 31.8% 
  • Google Pixel devices held 18.1% 
  • Oppo held 4.0% 

This device diversity highlights the need to test digital products across multiple platforms, not just one brand or operating system. 

At the same time, data usage is booming, expected to grow from 7.68GB per month in 2024 to 14GB in 2029. As users stream, shop and work more from their phones, barriers in mobile experiences become even more impactful.  

Implications for accessibility in Aotearoa 

1. Voice-first doesn’t work for everyone 

As smartphones move towards voice and ambient interaction, users with speech impairments, strong accents, fluctuating voices, or noisy environments may struggle. AI has definitely improved voice recognition, but without alternatives, new interaction modes can unintentionally exclude people. 

2. Gesture and AR create mobility and sensory barriers 

Gesturebased interfaces often assume physical mobility and motor control, with no alternative input options. AR visuals can also overwhelm users with low vision, ADHD, sensory sensitivities or cognitive differences. These features need accessible alternatives built in from day one.  

3. Emotionaware AI can get things wrong 

AI systems may misinterpret facial expressions, tone or behavioural cues. This especially true for neurodivergent people, people with chronic pain, cultural differences in expression, or those with facial differences. This can lead to unhelpful or even harmful personalisation. 

4. Digital inclusion gaps are real and persistent in NZ 

17% of New Zealanders (851,000 people) are disabled. Many of these people and those in social housing have lower access to the internet and face greater digital exclusion risks. Many government digital inclusion initiatives still focus mainly on access, while only 12% address digital skills and 8% motivation, leaving major gaps in usability and accessibility. This further reinforces why accessibility can't be an afterthought as digital ecosystems evolve. 

Accessibility must keep pace with change 

Aotearoa is embracing AI and digital transformation: 

  • NZ’s AI strategy aims to grow responsible AI adoption across the private sector  

  • Digital leaders warn of a widening digital divide if new technologies aren’t designed inclusively, stressing the need to “bring the remaining 20% along.”  

  • Accessibility experts are calling for the urgent adoption of EN 301 549, a digital accessibility standard already used in Australia and Canada.  

As smartphones become “life hubs,” accessible design becomes a strategic advantage, not just a compliance exercise. Smartphones are becoming the ecosystem of the future, but it’s up to us to make that future accessible. 

Kōrero mai 

If you’d like help with staying at the front of digital change, kōrero mai. 

Access Advisors are here to help you take the next step with confidence. Whether you’re improving accessibility or figuring out where to begin, we’ll work it out together.