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

On-Site Report | After FDA Announces Review of PMTA Framework, CTP Director Details Reform Priorities
On-Site Report | After FDA Announces Review of PMTA Framework, CTP Director Details Reform Priorities
FDA CTP Director Bret Koplow used his FDLI keynote in Washington to outline how the agency is rethinking the PMTA framework. He discussed category-specific review, nicotine pouch and sPMTA pilots, AI-assisted review, a 70% reduction in pending applications, and a major staffing constraint: CTP currently has only nine scientific review teams. He also reaffirmed tobacco harm reduction while stressing youth protection, flavored products, risk communication, and the challenge of unauthorized e-cigarettes.
Regulations
Oct.06
China Tobacco Supply-Chain Leader Huabao’s Three-Way Transformation Takes Hold as Overseas Revenue Jumps 216%, Non-Flavor Businesses Reach 42.2% and the Company Expands Into Global Next-Generation Tobacco Supply Chains
China Tobacco Supply-Chain Leader Huabao’s Three-Way Transformation Takes Hold as Overseas Revenue Jumps 216%, Non-Flavor Businesses Reach 42.2% and the Company Expands Into Global Next-Generation Tobacco Supply Chains
Huabao’s H1 2026 results show the company advancing across three connected fronts: international expansion, entry into next-generation tobacco supply chains and diversification beyond its traditional tobacco-related base. Overseas revenue rose 216.08% to CNY 96.02 million, while non-flavor businesses reached 42.2% of total revenue. Huabao also said it had entered the supply chains of leading global tobacco customers, as its nutrition, food ingredient, fragrance and personal-care businesses gained ground in Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand. However, adjusted net profit increased only 2.78%, and next-generation tobacco revenue was not separately disclosed, showing that the transformation is reshaping revenue and customer exposure but has yet to translate fully into underlying earnings.
Aug.28
Special Report | From New York to Washington: How FDA’s Tobacco Center Is Reworking Product Review
Special Report | From New York to Washington: How FDA’s Tobacco Center Is Reworking Product Review
FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products is reshaping how it approaches tobacco product review. Based on 2Firsts’ on-site reporting in New York and Washington, this report traces CTP’s emerging direction: stronger links between PMTA and tobacco harm reduction, more category-specific review, greater emphasis on decision-relevant science, more predictable timelines and expanded use of sPMTA for product modifications. CTP also acknowledged major constraints, including just nine PMTA review teams, persistent backlogs and limits on hiring capacity.
Regulations
Oct.08
IVG Parent Secures HMRC Excise Warehouse and Duty Stamp Approvals Ahead of UK Vape Tax
IVG Parent Secures HMRC Excise Warehouse and Duty Stamp Approvals Ahead of UK Vape Tax
Acme Vape Ltd, the company behind UK vaping brand IVG, has received HM Revenue & Customs approval to operate an excise warehouse for vaping products and participate in the Vaping Duty Stamps Scheme. The UK's Vaping Products Duty will take effect on October 1, 2026, at a flat rate of £2.20 per 10ml of vaping liquid. Acme Vape Ltd says its approved warehouse in Preston will become operational under the new regime on the same date.
Regulations
Sep.18 by 2Firsts Perspectives
F1 Faces Renewed Pressure Over Tobacco and Nicotine Sponsorships as 67 Groups Target ZYN and VELO Ahead of Madrid Race
F1 Faces Renewed Pressure Over Tobacco and Nicotine Sponsorships as 67 Groups Target ZYN and VELO Ahead of Madrid Race
Ahead of the Formula 1 race in Madrid, 67 Spanish and international public-health, medical and consumer organizations have sent an open letter to F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali calling for an end to sponsorships linked to the tobacco and nicotine industry, including nicotine pouches, vaping products and heated tobacco. The letter focuses on Philip Morris International’s ZYN partnership with Ferrari and British American Tobacco’s long-running partnership with McLaren and exposure for VELO. The campaign follows a March letter in which more than 160 organizations worldwide made a similar request to Formula 1.
Sep.10
German Tobacco Tax Revenue Falls 10.8% Through August as Tax-Paid Cigarette Volume Drops 12.6%
German Tobacco Tax Revenue Falls 10.8% Through August as Tax-Paid Cigarette Volume Drops 12.6%
Germany collected €9.789 billion in total tobacco tax revenue from January through August 2026, down 10.8% from a year earlier, according to the Federal Ministry of Finance. Germany's tobacco tax base covers not only cigarettes and fine-cut tobacco but also heated tobacco and vaping liquids taxed as tobacco substitutes. The German Association of the Tobacco Industry and Novel Products, or BVTE, citing federal statistical data, said tax-paid cigarette volume fell 12.6% to 40.6 billion sticks. BVTE is using the latest figures to argue against further tax increases planned from 2027 through 2030, while Germany's parliament is scheduled to hold a first reading of the bill on September 24.
Sep.23