The Internet of Things (IoT) Is Losing the Consumer

The rise of IoT in consumer products was once hailed as the next frontier of convenience. Smart appliances, connected devices, AI-driven assistants—promises of a more seamless, automated life flooded the market. But here’s the truth: consumers are growing weary of these half-baked technologies.

For the average person, the priority is durability and reliability, not whether their toaster can connect to WiFi. The reality is that many IoT devices feel like solutions in search of problems—features that barely work or are so complicated that most users don’t bother engaging with them. Frustratingly, many of these smart gadgets require constant updates, come with limited support, and have convoluted interfaces that add layers of confusion rather than convenience.

The Durability Dilemma: Gadgets vs. Longevity

While manufacturers keep adding AI and WiFi capabilities to everyday appliances, most consumers are more concerned with how long their device will last, not whether it can “learn” their preferences. A dishwasher that breaks down after two years isn’t made better by having a mobile app that can control its cycles—especially when that app stops working as soon as the company stops supporting it.

More and more, people want appliances that will stand the test of time rather than disposable gadgets bogged down by complex features that quickly become obsolete.

Too Smart for Their Own Good

The complexity of modern IoT devices often surpasses the everyday needs of consumers. It’s great that your fridge can tell you when your milk is about to expire, but is it worth the hassle of constantly updating software or dealing with connection issues? Many of these features are novelties—fun for a while, but they don’t add real, lasting value to daily life.

The truth is, a fridge should keep food cold. A washing machine should clean clothes. Simplicity, functionality, and longevity are the real desires of most consumers, not futuristic bells and whistles that are difficult to override when they malfunction.

A Future That Needs Re-Thinking

The IoT in consumer products is in a strange place right now. There’s tremendous potential, but the industry is focused on adding layers of complexity instead of solving real user pain points. The path forward for manufacturers isn’t stuffing AI and connectivity into every product but rethinking how these technologies can enhance daily life without becoming a burden.

If IoT is to survive, it needs to prioritize simplicity, longevity, and usefulness over unnecessary features. Consumers are already speaking with their wallets, and they’re choosing reliability over the promise of a hyper-connected future.