This year has been amazing for industrial design, with innovative ideas and creative solutions unrolling on a daily basis. We have witnessed new winter Olympic apparel, FIFA World Cup designs, new cars and phones, and special edition sneakers. However, only the top five events in the industrial designs can make it to our best of the year list. The latest innovation from Apple, AI-run household items, the best of the best in sport apparel for women, luxurious cars with eco-friendly design, and a toy that will connect all generations, these are top industrial designs that have marked the year 2025.
Apple iPhone Air
2025 has brought us the slimmest iPhone ever. After almost a decade of prioritising other features, the American company has returned to its ultra-slim form. With only 5.6 mm of thickness, iPhone Air has beaten the previous record set by iPhone 6 in 2014. The phone outslims even the Android flagships, such as the Samsung Galaxy. Thanks to its Grade-5 titanium alloy frame, the phone overcomes the problem of bending in pockets held by its predecessor.
Apple’s new Ceramic Shield 2 glass is located on both the front and back of the phone, making it crack-resistant. Slightly thicker Plateau rear design featuring one 48MP camera lens, flash, a single speaker, and circuitry in the plate-shaped camera housing. By positioning all these components in one part of the phone, Apple freed up space for a bigger, more enduring battery. The USB/C port was made shallow through 3D-printed titanium components. The design kept Apple’s recognisable Action Button as well as the tactile volume buttons on the side, but ditched the physical SIM tray, making it an eSIM-only design.
Samsung Electronics Bespoke AI Jet Lite
AI has penetrated every part of our lives, and even vacuum cleaners can’t avoid the AI mania. Samsung’s latest creation, Bespoke AI Jet Lite, uses AI to identify cleaning areas, such as carpets and corners, by sensing brush load and air pressure. After that, it arranges the air suction power for ultimate energy-efficient performance. The ultralight model weighs 1.45 kg in handheld mode, with under 3kg even with a brush attachment. The HexaJet motor with 140,000 rpm provides 280W of suction power.
It can be used in combination with a robot vacuum. The HEPA filtration system captures fine dust particles with automatic dustbin emptying and charging. This is one of several AI-powered appliances from Samsung, as the company previously unveiled the Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra Vacuum and mop robot, and the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra cordless stick vacuum.
LEGOxFIFA World Cup™ Official Trophy
And at the very end of 2025, it’s time to prepare for 2026, with one of the biggest global events, the FIFA World Cup, coming up. To honour the event, FIFA joined forces with LEGO to issue the LEGO Editions FIFA World Cup™ Trophy – the first official life-size replica of the trophy. Made from all 2,842 pieces, mostly golden, the toy allows you to build your own trophy. Special features include a small football scene hidden at the top of the toy with a small branded LEGO character holding the miniature version of the Football’s ultimate prize. In a nod to the history of the completion, the toy contains a list of all winners of the Trophy that was introduced in 1974.
BMW Neue Klasse iX3
BMW has unveiled the new generation of iX3. The first Neue Klasse model announces the beginning of a new era of fully electric Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV). The car features newly developed electronics and software, and a sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology. The most innovative part of the new car is its BMW Panoramic iDrive that integrates key controls in a new display system. The sustainable approach reduces the carbon footprint by over 30% compared to previous models. BMW iX3 50 xDrive is the first electric all-wheel SAV by BMW to start production.
NikeSKIMS
The year 2025 was also marked by a collaboration between two major apparel labels: Nike and SKIMS. NikeSKIMS’ partnership that redefined activewear for all athletes includes seven collections and 58 silhouettes with extended sizing. With over 10,000 ways to combine the apparel, it can convince even the biggest sceptics. NikeSKIMS’ approach to product design is inspired and informed by athletes, sport, and the female form. A large line of training clothing, footwear, and accessories is shaped for women athletes using layers of support to create an outfit that moves with the athletes.
Tailored to fit every curve of the body, move with it, and a neutral colour palette, the brand aims to encourage women and girls not only to exercise and engage in professional sport but also to find their spot in the global business fitness and activewear industry. Featuring women-specific innovation from Nike Sport Research Lab while also listening to the voices of women athletes and women around the globe. Later during the year, NikeSKIMS issued another collection, this time featuring accessories and performance wear.
Header: NikeSKIMS
