Possible futures, not firm predictions

Six ways life could change by 2031.

We explored different directions for AI, money, work, essential services and relationships—then asked which new products each world would create.

These are possibilities, not odds. None is presented as certain or most likely.

Possible future 1 of 6

AI helps; humans stay in charge

AI becomes a normal workmate, but people still make important decisions and remain responsible.

Where we are now: AI can already draft, analyse and organise work, but it still makes mistakes and often needs checking.
What would have to change: AI improves and spreads, but not enough for organisations to trust it alone with important decisions.
Why apps would change: The most useful apps help people work faster while making responsibility, approval and recovery clear.

Possible future 2 of 6

AI can do much of today's office work cheaply, and the wealth it creates is shared widely enough for people and public services to benefit.

Where we are now: Most people still rely on wages, while companies and governments debate who should benefit from AI-created wealth.
What would have to change: AI becomes able to do much of today's digital office work at very low cost. New ownership, tax or benefit systems share some of the gains.
Why apps would change: People need new ways to receive shared income, prove contributions, find purpose and organise services outside a normal job.

Possible future 3 of 6

AI can do much of today's office work cheaply, but a small group controls the systems, money and access.

Where we are now: A small number of organisations already control much of the computing power, data and distribution behind advanced AI.
What would have to change: AI replaces a large amount of paid digital work before society agrees how to share the income and power it creates.
Why apps would change: People need products that protect access, stretch scarce money, challenge unfair decisions and help communities share resources.

Possible future 4 of 6

AI helps plan a boom in repairing grids, homes, transport, care and climate defences, creating plenty of human work.

Where we are now: Energy grids, housing, water, transport, care and climate protection all need major repairs and investment.
What would have to change: AI becomes very good at planning and paperwork, while governments and businesses fund a large programme of real-world rebuilding.
Why apps would change: The winning apps connect plans to trained people, safe work, materials, funding and proof that something was actually fixed.

Possible future 5 of 6

War, climate shocks and cyber failures make essential services dependable in protected areas and unreliable elsewhere.

Where we are now: Food, energy, payments, healthcare and communications already depend on long, tightly connected supply chains.
What would have to change: Conflict, extreme weather and cyberattacks repeatedly break those connections. Wealthier places protect selected routes and services first.
Why apps would change: People need products that work offline, move trusted records, find safe alternatives and keep essentials running during disruption.

Possible future 6 of 6

AI companions become part of friendship, learning and care—helping some people connect while leaving others more isolated.

Where we are now: Loneliness is widespread, care and education services are stretched, and conversational AI is becoming more personal.
What would have to change: AI companions gain long memories, distinct personalities and a daily role in friendship, coaching, learning and care.
Why apps would change: The best products must provide real support while protecting consent, memory, human contact and the freedom to leave.