What’s in store for EMM in 2026?

It seems like it’s only just started but already we are approaching the end of 2025 – and in every technology-based sector, developments continue at pace.

But what will be the key developments that we can expect to see in the sector as we enter the new year – and how can you be sure that you are best positioned to make these work to your advantage?

Firstly, mirroring developments in many other sectors, we can expect to see mobility continue to evolve into complete ecosystems. Devices and platforms will come together to generate ever more valuable data which will be harnessed to drive smarter and more connected operations.

Data-driven insights gathered from managed devices will be increasingly harnessed to inform operational decision-making within organisations. This will not only enable predictive maintenance and smarter workflows but optimise resource planning too.

This process will see MSPs continue to evolve from their previous status as service providers, to truly become strategic partners, through their ability to unify technology, data and security across diverse environments.

Recognition of the value that MSPs can offer over, and above base-level service provision will see more organisations across all sectors take the decision to outsource their mobility management. The increased efficiency, agility and specialist capability, with complete visibility a standard offering, will far outweigh any benefits offered by in-house management.

Those who choose to outsource will also be better placed when it comes to security and compliance, with intensifying pressures in this area set to drive demand for partners who are able to keep abreast of ever more stringent requirements and work proactively to seamlessly manage updates, patching and governance.

This in turn will drive demand for the services of true EMM specialists who are able to deliver deep expertise across Android, Apple, and multi-platform environments, and harness these for commercial gain for their clients.

Ultimately, success in this area will be defined by scalability and flexibility, with MSPs having an integral role to play in assisting their clients in adapting rapidly to continued change and the relentless flow of new technologies. Chief among these will be AI and automation, both of which are set to play a key role in the future of mobility management. Proactive monitoring, self-healing devices and predictive analytics are all set to become more widespread, enabling the generation of real time data and the identification and remedying of faults and issues before they can cause a major operational problem.

Meanwhile, mobility will also be judged increasingly by its ability to offer an optimised user experience, empowering employees to assist in streamlining workflows and, ultimately, driving enhanced productivity.

When it comes to supplier selection, as with anything else, cost and overall cost-effectiveness are set to remain major factors. With outsourcing proven to deliver predictable costs, reduced downtime and improved return on investment, this will be another factor behind continued growth in outsourcing to optimise efficiency and reduced pressures on already overworked in-house teams.

Alongside this, clients will increasingly be looking to their providers to find ways to help them meet ever more stringent goals in the areas of ESG. Central to this will be the optimisation of device life cycles, minimising waste and finding responsible ways to deal with any waste that is generated.

It is clear there is much to ponder as we enter a new year but what is clear  is that the winners in 2026 are set to be those organisations who are prepared to view mobility as a means to gain operational and commercial advantage, rather than simply a cost, and proactively partner with an MSP to stay ahead of the constant technological evolution.

Our next blog will focus in more detail on a selection of the key technological advances set to make an impact in 2026.