Thomas Alsop
Research expert covering the global hardware industry
Tech hardware - statistics & facts
The world of computing and tech hardware is a fast and ever-evolving market. The latest trends can become redundant within just a few years as breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI) and hardware innovation reshape the industry. Along the tech hardware value chain are several globally recognized tech players, including Nvidia, Apple, TSMC, and Samsung. And competition is fierce, with tech firms worldwide investing heavily to stay ahead and develop the next generation of AI-driven products and services. As a result, many of the leading companies in the hardware industry are among the world’s largest and richest tech companies, with AI acting as a catalyst for their rapid growth and dominance.
The new era of AI PCs to rejuvenate the market
The introduction of PCs capable of running AI workloads directly on-device, combined with the start of a much-anticipated hardware upgrade cycle, has injected new optimism into the global PC market. This momentum comes after a difficult two-year downturn, followed by a modest one percent growth in shipments in 2024. Now, in 2025, shipments are accelerating as enterprises and consumers alike upgrade to AI-enabled devices, supporting both productivity and entertainment use cases. As AI continues to transform demand, the PC market has entered a phase of renewed and sustainable growth.Data center spending on the rise
The surging demand for AI applications has significantly increased the need for greater computing power and storage capacity, driving forecasts for heightened data center revenue in 2025. AI is also transforming the sector itself, enhancing both efficiency and security through processes that rely on specialized AI chips. Advanced use cases, from generative AI to 5G, stand to benefit from ongoing progress in AI chip design and the rapid development of both hyperscale and edge data centers—specialized facilities strategically located closer to end-users to reduce latency and improve performance.Safeguarding the steady supply of semiconductors remains a priority
Governments and companies across the global semiconductor supply chain continue to navigate shifting demand patterns, supply chain imbalances, and intensifying geopolitical pressures. As a result, new action plans, policies, and strategic alliances have been established to safeguard chip production and strengthen technological resilience. The semiconductor industry has gone from strength to strength, driven by the AI boom and a recovering memory sector. In 2025, momentum is accelerating further, with unprecedented investment in advanced manufacturing, continued innovation in AI chips, and the growing competition to secure leadership in next-generation semiconductors.The future of tech
As the tech industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, the hardware market remains a cornerstone of innovation. From advanced tech infrastructure facilities to cutting-edge processors, the pursuit of performance and efficiency drives the development of new technologies that shape today’s world.Thomas Alsop
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Sep 19, 2025
Thomas Alsop
Research expert covering the global hardware industry
