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Smart Disposable E-cigarettes: characteristics and capabilities of new generation devices

Artur Galimov, Liam Obaid, Jennifer B. Unger

Despite ongoing regulatory efforts to curb the vaping epidemic, the tobacco industry continues to introduce new products with innovative features. The industry has been particularly creative in attracting younger audiences by marketing devices that resemble toys and vaping devices with built-in video games. Recently, e-cigarette manufacturers launched a new generation of vaping products – “smart vapes” – disposable e-cigarettes equipped with built-in smart technology features and mobile apps.

Similar to traditional disposable e-cigarettes, these devices are available in a variety of youth-appealing fruit, dessert, and ice/cooling flavors (e.g., Mango Ice, Banana Taffy) and deliver up to 5,000 – 30,000 puffs. They have a bright and colorful packaging, contain 2% (50mg/mL) – 5% (50mg/mL) of nicotine salt, and have rechargeable batteries. Smart vape devices come with touchscreen and feature Bluetooth connectivity, allowing them to be connected to a smartphone and located via a “find my phone” feature. These devices also include basic utility apps such as a calendar, flashlight, camera button, stopwatch, weather updates, contacts (import, view), photo sharing, and customizable wallpaper.

More advanced smart vaping devices (e.g., Posh Pro Max) are equipped with integrated speakers, enabling users to play music or audio from their smartphones directly on the vaping device. These devices also include call, message, and social media notifications, while the Craftbox V-Touch has a built-in microphone that can be used to make or receive calls. Additionally, models like the Swype and VookBar Cyber Pro include built-in smartwatch/fitness tracker features that allow users to track steps, calories burned, and heart rate. These devices also include a few pre-installed video games, similar to those found in vaping devices with video games.

On October 30, 2024, the United States Food and Drug Administration issued warnings to nine online retailers and one manufacturer to cease selling and marketing disposable e-cigarettes with designs and functionalities resembling smart technology. Despite these regulatory actions, these devices are still marketed and available for purchase at online tobacco retailers, with an average cost of $15–$25, roughly the same as traditional disposable e-cigarettes. Furthermore, the sale of these smart vaping products is expanding into physical retail locations. In November 2024, our team observed these devices at tobacco retailers Wisconsin (Eau Claire) and in Southern California (Los Angeles.

Smart vaping devices are also gaining popularity on social media platforms, with some videos featuring “smart” disposable vaping devices generating over 10 million views on youth-popular platforms such as TikTok. The integration of smartphone-like designs and functionalities into vaping devices is concerning and likely to appeal to youth, as it can help conceal the nature of the products from parents, teachers, or other adults. The combination of smart technology features and vaping, coupled with viral social media marketing, may entice youth and young adults who otherwise had never tried nicotine products to initiate vaping. Moreover, features like call, message, and social media notifications, fitness tracker, as well as the ability to play music may increase the duration consumers actively use these devices and introduce additional reinforcers to puff the vape among current users, potentially leading to more severe nicotine addiction.

It is crucial to address these devices through robust policy and educational initiatives to mitigate their impact on public health. Enhancing the enforcement and surveillance of existing policies to prevent the sale and marketing of these products, especially to minors, may be beneficial. This may include imposing stricter penalties for retailers who sell to underage consumers and increasing monitoring of online sales channels. Public health campaigns should be developed to raise awareness among parents, educators, and youth about the risks associated with these smart vaping devices, emphasizing their potential to conceal use and increase nicotine addiction.