Product|E-cigarettes Draw Inspiration from Heated Tobacco Designs as Multiple Brands Launch Open Systems Similar to IQOS Iluma

Jul.16.2025
Product|E-cigarettes Draw Inspiration from Heated Tobacco Designs as Multiple Brands Launch Open Systems Similar to IQOS Iluma
Recently, several e-cigarette brands have launched magnetic open-system devices with designs resembling heated tobacco products like IQOS Iluma. Some of these products are already on the market, while others remain in the demonstration phase, reflecting a new wave of evolution in industry structural design and user experience.

Special announcement:

·This article is for internal industry communication only and does not make any recommendations for brands or products.

·The images presented in this article are solely used to depict facts and not intended as advertisements for any products.

·This article is prohibited for minors to access.


 

Key Points:

 

1.Product form trending towards HTP: Several brands have recently launched magnetic suction open system products, using a "device + external power supply" modular magnetic suction structure, resembling HNB products such as IQOS iluma in appearance and usage logic.

 

2.There are clear differences in channel layout: SMOK and KIWI are already selling online in markets such as the US, UK, and Italy, with KIWI 2 targeting a high-end demographic. On the other hand, ASDF and Kardinal have only appeared at trade shows and have no online sales record yet.

 

3.Design ideas are trending towards "HTP-ization": Some open systems are shifting from the traditional "screen display + adjustment" route to a more lightweight, battery-oriented product form, reflecting a new round of transformation and exploration in the industry in terms of user experience and device structure.

 


 

【By 2Firsts】Recently, many e-cigarette brands have been releasing magnetic suction open system products. These products have a distinct contrast in overall form compared to traditional open systems equipped with screens. Instead, they are closer to HNB products in terms of design logic, usage method, and battery life structure, especially the IQOS iluma.

 

Product|E-cigarettes Draw Inspiration from Heated Tobacco Designs as Multiple Brands Launch Open Systems Similar to IQOS Iluma
IQOS Iluma | Image source: IQOS

 

This type of product generally adopts a modular structure of "device body + external power supply," with the two components connected through magnetic suction, and the appearance is highly similar to IQOS Iluma. As early as 2023, at the Dortmund Tobacco Expo, KIWI introduced a representative product of this design concept - KIWI 2. Recently, 2Firsts found in their research that SMOK, ASDF, and Kardinal have also successively introduced open devices with similar magnetic suction structures, reflecting the industry trend of some e-cigarette products converging in terms of exterior design and structural logic with heated tobacco products (HTP).

 

 

Product|E-cigarettes Draw Inspiration from Heated Tobacco Designs as Multiple Brands Launch Open Systems Similar to IQOS Iluma
SMOK, KIWI products | Image source: vapesourcing, vapevo

 

 

Many Brands are Launching Products that are Similar in Form to HTP

 

2Firsts has compiled the specifications of two representative products for industry reference:

 

Product|E-cigarettes Draw Inspiration from Heated Tobacco Designs as Multiple Brands Launch Open Systems Similar to IQOS Iluma
KIWI 2 parameters information | Mapping: 2Firsts

 

Product|E-cigarettes Draw Inspiration from Heated Tobacco Designs as Multiple Brands Launch Open Systems Similar to IQOS Iluma
SMOK Airmate parameters information | Mapping: 2Firsts

 

Product|E-cigarettes Draw Inspiration from Heated Tobacco Designs as Multiple Brands Launch Open Systems Similar to IQOS Iluma
SMOK Product Introduction | Image Source: SMOK

 

In terms of pod capacity, the SMOK Airmate has a capacity of 2.0ml, while the KIWI 2 has a capacity of 1.8ml. According to the vapevo website, KIWI 2 supports the use of pre-filled pods with 7 different flavors, catering to both open and closed system preferences.

 

In terms of battery life structure:

 

·SMOK Airmate features a built-in 500mAh battery and supports an external 2500mAh removable battery. 

 

·KIWI 2 is equipped with a 400mAh built-in battery and supports an external 1800mAh battery.

 

During a field research at the World Vape Show Dubai 2025, 2Firsts also discovered that Malaysian e-cigarette brands ASDF and Kardinal showcased open system products utilizing magnetic suction design.

 

 

Product|E-cigarettes Draw Inspiration from Heated Tobacco Designs as Multiple Brands Launch Open Systems Similar to IQOS Iluma
ASDF e-cigarette new product | Image source: 2Firsts

 

Product|E-cigarettes Draw Inspiration from Heated Tobacco Designs as Multiple Brands Launch Open Systems Similar to IQOS Iluma
Cardinale cigarette new product | Image source: 2Firsts

 

These products utilize a "pen-like" design for their atomization devices, distinguishing them from the common screen-equipped designs on the market, such as Aspire Pixo Neo, Geekvape Digi Q Vista, HQD APEX, VOZOL ACE PRO, and others. In comparison, products released by SMOK, KIWI, ASDF, and Kardinal do not feature smart screens, but they do possess certain advantages in terms of grip comfort and ease of charging.

 

 

Sales Channels and Pricing Strategy:

 

Currently, the market promotion and sales channel layout of SMOK and KIWI products has gradually begun.

 

·The SMOK Airmate has launched on the e-cigarette distributor website Vapesourcing in the United States and United Kingdom with a price of $29.99 and £22.99, respectively. The product has also been featured on the official SMOK website.

 

Product|E-cigarettes Draw Inspiration from Heated Tobacco Designs as Multiple Brands Launch Open Systems Similar to IQOS Iluma
SMOK Airmate Sales Information | Image Source: vapesourcing

 

KIWI 2 has landed on e-commerce platforms in Italy, such as Amazon, vapevo, and pipeline-store. The price on the vapevo website is 69.90 euros. Prior to this, KIWI brand staff had told 2Firsts that the KIWI2 series of e-cigarettes are known for their high quality and are targeted towards high-end consumers, hence the higher price.

 

Product|E-cigarettes Draw Inspiration from Heated Tobacco Designs as Multiple Brands Launch Open Systems Similar to IQOS Iluma
KIWI 2 sales information | Image source: vapevo

 

However, currently ASDF and Kardinal's related products only appear at the exhibition site, and sales information has not been found on their official website or major online distributor platforms.

 


As a leading global NGP media and think tank, 2Firsts is committed to providing the latest product and technology information and insights to practitioners worldwide in categories such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and modern oral products, driving technological change and innovation in NGP products worldwide, thus bringing consumers worldwide less harmful products and lifestyles.

 

With information sources covering the Chinese supply chain and global markets, 2Firsts' product reporting has become one of the most influential platforms for new product and technology releases worldwide.

 

Contact 2Firsts for the following services:

 1. Providing leads on new products and technologies; 

2. Offering commentary on products and technologies; 

3. Seeking media coverage for your products; 

4. Researching sales channels for products;

 ...

 

Contact information: 

1. Email: info@2firsts.com

2.Contact to the CEO of 2Firsts, Alan Zhao, via LinkedIn.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Product | APUS Launches Chloe 50K, Bringing Purse-Inspired Design to the U.S. High-Puff Disposable Market
Product | APUS Launches Chloe 50K, Bringing Purse-Inspired Design to the U.S. High-Puff Disposable Market
APUS has introduced the Chloe 50K disposable vape, which has appeared across U.S.-facing online retail channels including Element Vape and Vapesourcing. The device combines a purse-inspired body and chain attachment with a 20ml e-liquid capacity, 1,250mAh rechargeable battery, dual mesh coil, and battery and e-liquid indicators. It is rated for up to 50,000 puffs. The product does not appear on the FDA’s current list of authorized e-cigarettes, and U.S. retail availability does not indicate FDA marketing authorization.
Jul.15
JTI Makes Third Bet on South Korea as Ploom AURA Enters a Market Dominated by lil and IQOS
JTI Makes Third Bet on South Korea as Ploom AURA Enters a Market Dominated by lil and IQOS
Japan Tobacco International is stepping up its heated tobacco push in South Korea with Ploom AURA. Since its official launch in April 2026, the device's limited First Edition and Glacier White version have sold out, while distribution has expanded across Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi Province and airport duty-free channels. The rollout marks JTI's third major attempt to build a stronger heated tobacco position in South Korea, following Ploom TECH in 2019 and Ploom X Advanced in 2024. At the group level, JT plans to invest about ¥800 billion, approximately $5 billion, in reduced-risk products from 2026 through 2028, with heated products and Ploom identified as its primary investment priority.
Aug.14
Hunan China Tobacco Industry files heated tobacco device patent featuring adult-user identification through pressure sensing
Hunan China Tobacco Industry files heated tobacco device patent featuring adult-user identification through pressure sensing
China-based Hunan China Tobacco Industry Co., Ltd. and Shenzhen Baisha Technology Co., Ltd. have filed a patent application covering an adult-user identification mechanism for heated tobacco devices. The patent proposes using flexible pressure sensors installed in the device grip area to collect pressure distribution patterns generated when users hold the device. The system evaluates factors including effective contact area, grip shape and contact duration, and combines roller movement detection to determine whether unlocking conditions are met. The filing reflects exploration of device-level user recognition and smarter interaction technologies for heated tobacco products (HTPs).
Aug.05
UK Reform Party Proposes Cap of 1,000 Vape Shops Under Plan to Tighten Retail Controls
UK Reform Party Proposes Cap of 1,000 Vape Shops Under Plan to Tighten Retail Controls
The UK Reform Party has proposed limiting the number of dedicated vape shops in the country to around 1,000 as part of a plan to tighten oversight of vape retail channels. The proposal was put forward by Reform UK deputy leader and MP Lee Anderson. The plan remains a political proposal and has not become UK government policy, with no detailed legislation, implementation timeline or allocation rules announced.
Aug.10
Product | PMI Pilots bonds by IQOS and blends in Japan, Testing a New Heated Tobacco Platform
Product | PMI Pilots bonds by IQOS and blends in Japan, Testing a New Heated Tobacco Platform
Philip Morris International (PMI) has launched a regional pilot of bonds by IQOS and dedicated blends tobacco sticks in Japan, introducing a new heated tobacco platform separate from the IQOS ILUMA ecosystem. The system uses Round Heat Technology with an external heating architecture, differentiating it from IQOS ILUMA’s induction-based platform. The pilot began on July 6, 2026, across three Japanese prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga and Nagasaki.
Jul.30
Philippine Customs Seizes $2.22 Million in Misdeclared Vape Products From China
Philippine Customs Seizes $2.22 Million in Misdeclared Vape Products From China
The Philippine Bureau of Customs said it intercepted nine containers of misdeclared vape and vape-related products from China at the Manila International Container Port, with an estimated value of about ₱137 millionor, about $2.22 million.
Jul.10