Jazz Hipster has just returned from ISE 2025, which took place at the Fira de Barcelona Gran Vía from February 4 to 7.
As the world’s largest systems integration exhibition, ISE once again attracted a record-breaking number of exhibitors and attendees. This year’s event showcased the latest advancements in lighting, displays, projectors, and even more, including most notably, audio systems, all spread across dedicated Tech Zones and newly expanded halls.
A Larger Show, Broader Scope
ISE 2025 took a big leap forward by expanding into Hall 8.1, accessible via Fira de Barcelona’s new North Access point. This update greatly improved attendee flow and facilitated better access to Halls 4–8 as well as the Audio Demo Rooms. The organizers noted that the show floor was nearly 12% larger this year, accommodating more exhibitors and tech showcases than ever before.
With over 1,400 exhibitors and 73,891 attendees from 162 countries last year, this year’s event set new records in networking, education, and hands-on demonstrations of the latest audiovisual and integrated systems technologies.
2025 Audio Trends: Exclusive Insights
This year’s show offered a clear glimpse into the future of professional and consumer audio solutions. Below, we highlight key insights from our Product Manager, Ben, who analyzed trends from both CES and ISE 2025 to outline the emerging developments shaping the industry.
1. The Rise of Immersive Audio
One of the most notable trends in 2025 is the widespread adoption of immersive audio formats, particularly Dolby Atmos, across a variety of product segments. Ben observed that industry leaders now offer solutions ranging from budget-friendly 2.1.2 or 3.1.2 configurations to sophisticated 11.2.6 systems.
This broad spectrum signals a maturing market: while casual consumers seek an affordable yet immersive home theater experience, audiophiles and high-end users continue to demand advanced, multi-channel setups with refined DSP and high power handling.
Opportunities:
- Modular Designs: With an increasing number of Atmos channel configurations emerging, modular amplifier boards and speaker arrays are becoming essential.
- Tailored Performance: Brands are looking for ODM partners that can provide customized transducers for compact setups or advanced DSP and driver matching for premium configurations like 5.1.4 and beyond.
2. AI-Enhanced Processing & Connectivity
Artificial intelligence is becoming a core component of next-generation audio systems. Insights from CES and ISE 2025 suggest a growing interest in AI-driven real-time tuning, acoustic calibration, and user interaction, eliminating the need for complex manual setups.
Simultaneously, brand executives emphasize the need for stable, high-bandwidth wireless connections, particularly with the adoption of Wi-Fi 6 and the impending launch of Wi-Fi 7. These technologies enable low-latency, high-resolution multi-room streaming.
Opportunities:
- AI Integration: AI-driven beamforming, noise reduction, and EQ adjustments are becoming standard, making seamless DSP integration a key differentiator for ODMs.
- Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Evolution: With Wi-Fi 6 already in use and Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth LE Audio on the horizon, future-proof hardware designs must support higher data throughput and multi-speaker connections.
3. The Growing Influence of TV Brands & Retail Channels
TV manufacturers are increasingly leveraging their display lineups to promote bundled soundbars and home-theater-in-a-box solutions. This trend gives them a competitive advantage on retail floors, making it more challenging for standalone audio brands to gain visibility.
However, these large TV brands frequently seek reliable ODM partners to enhance their audio offerings at both entry-level and mid-range price points.
Opportunities:
- Co-Branding & Bundles: As TV makers expand their soundbar offerings, there is rising demand for ODMs that can deliver brand-matched aesthetics and audio performance.
- Competitive Pricing & Scale: To meet the demands of mass-market retailers, manufacturers must ensure scalable production and cost-effective solutions for standard 5.1.2 or 3.1.2 Atmos systems.
4. High-Resolution & Multi-Wireless Audio
This year, exhibitors and industry partners emphasized the growing desire for higher bit-depth and sampling rates across more audio channels. While 48kHz/24-bit remains standard, there is increasing discussion around 96kHz/24-bit and even 192kHz across multiple channels.
Ben also noted that some suppliers are experimenting with dual or triple wireless modules that combine Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or proprietary RF technology to achieve reliable, uncompressed or near-lossless audio transmission.
Opportunities:
- Multi-Module Architecture: Designing hardware that supports Wi-Fi streaming, Bluetooth connectivity, and proprietary RF links for subwoofers or surround speakers without interference.
- Premium Audiophile Segments: Catering to niche markets with ultra-high-resolution streaming and minimal latency solutions for applications such as luxury home theaters, yachts, and high-end hospitality.
5. Cloud Management & Pro-AV Integration
Conversations with integrators across these major trade shows highlight the importance of centralized control and remote monitoring across multiple locations. Whether it’s for commercial venues, hospitality, or large-scale residential projects, the ability to update firmware, adjust EQ settings, and diagnose issues over the cloud is rapidly becoming an expectation.
Opportunities
- Cloud-Ready Designs: Hardware must support network-based diagnostics, auto-calibration, and over-the-air updates. A well-documented API or integration with leading automation platforms can differentiate a brand’s product lineup.
- AI-Assisted Maintenance: In the future, AI-driven analytics might predict potential hardware failures or acoustic issues, prompting integrators to intervene before the end-user even notices a problem.
Key Takeaways for ODM Innovation
Ben emphasized that immersive audio is no longer a luxury feature but an expected standard. Brands are seeking ways to differentiate themselves, whether through high-resolution capabilities or next-generation wireless connectivity.
For Jazz Hipster, this highlights the need to provide flexible, scalable ODM solutions that integrate these technologies seamlessly.
He also noted that while traditional speaker brands still hold appeal for audiophiles, mainstream consumers increasingly prefer all-in-one solutions, particularly those bundled with major TV brands. This shift presents significant opportunities for ODMs capable of engineering both entry-level and high-end solutions at scale.
Your ODM Partner for Next-Generation Audio Solutions
At ISE 2025, the focus on integrated technologies aligned perfectly with our vision. Today’s consumers and enterprises demand audio solutions that deliver high-resolution performance, robust connectivity, and seamless system integration.
As a leading ODM speaker manufacturer, Jazz Hipster is uniquely positioned to empower brands with next-generation audio solutions, including:
Integration of Advanced Audio Technologies
We specialize in incorporating cutting-edge wireless and spatial audio technologies into ODM solutions. Our expertise includes:
- Dolby Atmos compatibility for immersive experiences.
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for enhanced connectivity.
- Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology for precision spatial audio applications.
End-to-End Acoustic Engineering
From initial acoustic design and transducer development to enclosure engineering and advanced DSP integration, we ensure that every component is optimized for high fidelity and minimal distortion.
Customizable and Scalable Solutions
We offer flexible ODM solutions tailored to various applications. Our modular speaker and amplifier designs enable brands to develop product lines that seamlessly integrate into different system architectures.
Comprehensive Global Manufacturing Services
Beyond design and engineering, we provide world-class manufacturing, quality assurance, and supply chain management. Our extensive production network ensures that innovative, high-quality audio products are delivered on time and to the highest standards.
The insights gained at ISE 2025 confirm that the future of audio is evolving toward smarter, more immersive, and interconnected systems. Jazz Hipster looks forward to collaborating with innovative brands to bring these advancements to life.
For more information or to discuss collaboration opportunities, please contact us through the form below or via our LinkedIn account.
References
- [1] ISE 2025 Photo – https://www.iseurope.org/press-area/marketing-materials
- [2] Audio Innovation Zone – https://www.iseurope.org/technology-zones/technology-zones-audio
