Top 10 Tech Issues Reshaping the IT Landscape in July 2025

In the summer of 2025, the evolution of technology is more dynamic than ever. The influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is spreading across all industries, and next-generation computing paradigms are knocking on the door of reality. Here at selectd.tech, we've compiled the 10 most critical IT issues to watch as of today. This isn't just a list of technologies; it's a window into the future of our work, our lives, and our society.

1. Generative AI: The Era of 'Optimization' and 'Monetization'

The Generative AI market, once symbolized by the "Large Language Model (LLM) wars," has entered a new phase. The market's focus has shifted from who can build the biggest model to 'Small Language Models (sLMs)' optimized for specific industries and functions, and to 'monetization models' that create real business value. Companies are experimenting with various monetization strategies such as advertising, subscriptions, and API sales to recoup massive initial investments and achieve sustainable growth. Simultaneously, technical efforts continue to reduce reliability issues and the "hallucination" phenomenon in AI-generated content.

2. AI Semiconductors: Chasing Both 'Performance' and 'Energy Efficiency'

The advancement of AI technology inevitably demands innovation in semiconductor technology. The race for supremacy in the AI accelerator market, led by NVIDIA, is intensifying, with competitors like AMD and Intel in hot pursuit. A key challenge has emerged: reducing the enormous power consumption required to process vast amounts of data. The development of next-generation, low-power, high-efficiency AI semiconductors and the High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM) technology that supports them will determine the future of the IT ecosystem.

3. Quantum Computing: A Bold March Towards Commercialization

Quantum computing, once considered a dream technology, is gradually becoming a reality. Industry leaders like IBM and Google are focused on reducing errors and increasing the stability of qubits, while access to quantum computing services via the cloud is expanding. Expectations are growing for its potential to solve problems intractable for classical computers, such as new drug discovery, material science breakthroughs, and financial modeling. Some analysts predict that a "Quantum Commercial Advantage" will become visible around 2027.

4. The Rise of Sophisticated AI-Powered Cyber Threats

AI has become both a shield and a sword. The biggest topic in cybersecurity for 2025 is undoubtedly the sophistication of attacks leveraging AI. New, unpredictable types of threats are rapidly increasing, including phishing using deepfakes and AI-generated malware. In response, the importance of 'AI-driven security'—using AI to detect and automatically defend against threats—is being emphasized more than ever. The adoption of 'Zero Trust' architecture is also expected to continue its expansion.

5. The Metaverse Reignited: Led by 'Industrial' Applications and 'XR Devices'

The metaverse, once caught in a hype bubble, is finding a new breakthrough. Moving beyond gaming and social platforms, the 'industrial metaverse' is gaining attention, built on 'Digital Twin' technology that meticulously connects the physical and virtual worlds. Use cases are growing in various sectors like manufacturing, construction, and healthcare, increasing productivity and efficiency through simulation, remote collaboration, and training. The emergence of next-generation Extended Reality (XR) devices, spearheaded by Apple's Vision Pro, is set to be a catalyst for the mainstream adoption of the metaverse.

6. Sustainable IT: Towards 'Green Computing'

The rapid growth of the IT industry is shadowed by its energy consumption. The massive power usage of data centers and the problem of e-waste are challenges that can no longer be ignored. Consequently, 'Sustainable IT,' or 'Green Computing,' is becoming a core competitive advantage for businesses. This includes designing energy-efficient hardware, powering data centers with renewable energy, and efforts to extend the lifecycle of IT resources.

As the influence of AI technology grows, so does the societal discussion around 'AI ethics' and 'regulation.' There are numerous challenges to address, including data bias, algorithmic transparency, and accountability. Led by the European Union's AI Act, governments worldwide are accelerating the establishment of legal and institutional frameworks to ensure safety and trust without stifling AI innovation. AI development companies are also establishing their own ethical principles and committing to responsible AI development.

8. Web3 and Decentralization: Ushering in the Era of Data Sovereignty

Web3 and decentralized technologies, emerging as alternatives to centralized platforms, are steadily expanding their territory. The core concept is 'data sovereignty,' where users own their data, based on blockchain technology. Various experiments like Decentralized Finance (DeFi), Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), and Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) are ongoing, holding the potential to fundamentally change the power structure of the current internet.

9. The Proliferation of Cloud Native and Edge Computing

Cloud technology is now evolving into 'Cloud Native.' This refers to optimizing the way applications are developed, deployed, and operated for the cloud environment, maximizing business agility and scalability. At the same time, the importance of 'Edge Computing'—processing data in real-time where it is generated—is also coming to the forefront. It will play a crucial role in services where low latency is essential, such as autonomous vehicles and smart factories.

10. The Acceleration of Technological Convergence: The Meeting of AI, Bio, and Robotics

The true power of future technology lies in 'convergence.' AI is now moving beyond the IT domain, combining with other fields like life sciences and robotics to create new innovations. AI-accelerated drug development, the advancement of humanoid robots that mimic human behavior, and research into Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) are turning science fiction into reality. This technological convergence offers new possibilities for solving some of humanity's most pressing challenges.

The ten technological issues listed above may seem to be unfolding at different paces and in separate directions, but they are ultimately intertwined within the grand currents of 'Intelligence,' 'Connection,' and 'Responsibility.' The intelligence revolution, centered on AI, is breaking down industrial boundaries and connecting everything. At the same time, the immense influence of this technology brings a critical social responsibility for how it should be used. Only those individuals and companies who understand this wave of change and proactively ride it will emerge as victors in the coming future. We invite you to continue on this journey with selectd.tech as we offer deep insights into technology's impact on humanity and society, and navigate the path toward a better future.