Generation Beta is poised to make its debut in 2025, signaling the end of Generation Alpha, which is gradually phasing out.
This new cohort will encompass all children born from 2025 until 2039, according to generational expert Mark McCrindle, who helped define the last two generational labels, Generation Z and Generation Alpha. The announcement was made in a blog post on Wednesday, as reported by Daily Mail.
McCrindle, a prominent demographer, predicts that by 2035, Generation Beta will represent 16% of the global population, with many members living well into the 22nd century. As the first children to grow up fully immersed in a world dominated by advanced technology, Generation Beta is expected to experience a life shaped by innovations such as autonomous vehicles, wearable health tech, and immersive virtual environments—likely becoming ubiquitous in daily life.
“Gen Beta will likely be the first generation to experience autonomous transportation at scale, wearable health technologies, and immersive virtual environments as standard aspects of daily life,” McCrindle stated.
In addition to technological advancements, Generation Beta will face significant global challenges, including climate change and shifting social norms. The next generation will inherit the complex legacy of the digital age and be expected to navigate rapidly changing societal landscapes.
The concept of generational labels gained widespread recognition in the mid-20th century, starting with the “Baby Boomers” (1946-1964), whose birth surge followed World War II. This trend continued with the work of researchers like Neil Howe and William Strauss, who identified and named subsequent generations based on key historical and cultural shifts.
One of the most iconic generational labels, Generation X, was popularized by author Douglas Coupland through his 1991 novel, reflecting the experiences of individuals born after the Baby Boomers.
In McCrindle’s framework, the generations prior to Generation Beta include:
- The Builders (1925-1945)
- The Boomers (1946-1964)
- Generation X (1965-1979)
- Millennials (1980-1994)
- Generation Z (1995-2009)
- Generation Alpha (2010-2024)
As we approach the arrival of Generation Beta, experts and social commentators alike are beginning to speculate on the defining traits of this new generation, which will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future.
