The world of automated testing is evolving rapidly, and the latest trends in automated testing are set to reshape how businesses approach quality assurance. From shift-up testing to smarter AI integrations, these developments are designed to make the software testing process more efficient, reliable, and accessible to a broader range of users. 

Let’s dive into the key trends that will dominate the automation testing market in 2025.

What’s the test automation status quo?

The current state of automation testing shows a mix of progress and ongoing challenges. Automation testing tools have become essential for improving the testing process and maintaining software quality, particularly in areas like performance testing and regression tests. 

However, gaps remain, especially in achieving comprehensive test coverage and integrating testing early in the software development life cycle.

Some key aspects of the status quo include:

• Reliance on tools: Organizations depend heavily on test automation tools to handle repetitive tasks, regression, and API tests, which saves time and boosts testing efficiency.
• Challenges in shift left testing: While there is growing interest in embedding testing earlier in the software development process, many teams still struggle to implement effective shift left testing strategies.
• Security testing is lacking: As cyber threats rise, robust security testing remains an area where many testing processes fall short.

On the positive side, automation testing trends like machine learning and robotic process automation are starting to play a role in streamlining workflows and reducing human error. 

However, adopting these technologies effectively requires more focus on long-term strategies rather than quick fixes.

Test automation trends to keep an eye on in 2025

Here are the 4 trends the software testing industry should keep an eye on:

1. Shift-up testing
2. Augmented intelligence
3. Too many AI-generated test cases
4. The uproar

Shift-up testing: Automation for everyone

For years, software testing has been the job of IT teams and technical experts. While there was some talk about business users driving testing in the 2010s, it never really worked out. Testing stayed in the hands of IT and technical departments. But now, with better test automation tools, shift-up testing is changing how things work.

Think about a business user who can set up automated checks for their 15 to 20 most common daily tasks. These tasks run overnight, and by the time they start work, they already know if the systems they rely on are working. There is no guessing and no last-minute scrambling to fix issues after a weekend deployment.

This approach does not replace IT teams. Instead, it empowers non-technical users to ensure their workflows are running smoothly. The people who know the systems best, the ones using them every day, can now make sure everything works as expected without relying on technical expertise.

For SAP users and others who depend on complex tools, this shift can eliminate the stress of unexpected issues. With shift-up testing, businesses can deliver smoother operations, reduce downtime, and free up IT resources for more critical tasks. 

This is about putting control into the hands of those who need it most, making testing a shared responsibility rather than a siloed task

Augmented intelligence: AI that works with you

Artificial intelligence in testing is moving away from hype and toward solving real problems. Instead of empty promises like "Generate 10,000 test cases in 12 seconds," AI is now focused on providing tools that simplify tasks and improve outcomes in ways testers and business users actually need.

Today’s AI works quietly in the background. For example, you can ask your tool to "Add verification to this step," and it will update the test code without requiring complicated instructions or rework. It’s not about flashy features but about making the entire testing process smoother and more practical.

This kind of intelligence reduces repetitive tasks and makes complex steps easier to handle. Testers can focus on ensuring systems work properly rather than getting bogged down in busywork. 

When providing useful, straightforward solutions, AI is becoming a trusted partner for testing teams, helping them deliver better software without unnecessary complexity.

Too many AI-generated test cases

Not all trends in testing are positive. The use of AI to generate large numbers of test cases is an example of how automation can go wrong. 

While it may sound impressive to generate thousands or even millions of test cases in a short time, these tests often miss the mark. Many of them barely cover the basic functionality of the system and fail to address real-world use cases.

This issue is not limited to test case generation. Similar claims are being made about AI tools that promise to handle report interpretation and root cause analysis. These tools might produce flashy reports, but they often lack depth and actionable insights. Instead of simplifying the testing process, they create more noise for teams to sift through.

The problem with relying too heavily on AI-generated tests is that it shifts the focus away from meaningful coverage. 

Testers may find themselves overwhelmed with irrelevant or poorly constructed tests that do not add value. This approach wastes time and resources while failing to improve the software quality being tested.

What teams need is not more test cases but smarter test strategies. A well-thought-out testing plan that focuses on real user scenarios, critical system functionality, and practical outcomes will always outperform a flood of automated, generic tests.

The uproar: Smaller testing companies teaming up

In recent years, large testing providers have been buying smaller companies to expand their portfolios. This worked for a while, but the approach has started to lose its edge. Starting in 2025, smaller testing companies will disrupt the market by joining forces.

These companies are teaming up to combine their expertise and resources. By working together, they are creating tools that solve real problems and deliver focused value. Unlike larger companies, which often struggle to adapt quickly, these partnerships are agile and user-focused.

This trend of “combined forces” is putting pressure on the big players. Larger providers are finding it harder to compete with the creativity and problem-solving mindset of these smaller collaborations. Now, smaller companies are delivering software testing tools that resonate with today’s testing teams.

This marks a shift in the automation testing market, where smaller, focused companies are leading the charge with innovative solutions that meet the needs of modern teams. 

What’s next for automation testing

The future of software testing is all about practicality and better collaboration. Here are the trends to watch:

• Shift-up testing makes automation accessible to non-technical users.
• Augmented intelligence focuses on helpful, real-world AI features.
• Smaller companies teaming up to create better automation testing tools.
• A push for thoughtful test coverage rather than excessive, meaningless test cases.

Push your test automation forward with TestResults

The world of test automation is evolving, bringing exciting opportunities and new challenges. As teams strive to improve software quality, adapt to shifting testing trends, and embrace more efficient tools, they must remain focused on strategies that prioritize meaningful results over flashy features.

At TestResults, we’re here to help. Our solutions bridge the gap between testers and developers, ensuring stable, reliable, and efficient automation testing. We reduce false positives and eliminate flaky tests, allowing you to focus on delivering high-quality software without the hassle.

Ready to transform your testing process? Discover how TestResults can take your test automation to the next level.