For years, news of new software, apps, and AI tools has been dominating the media. Just think of AI design tools like Nano Banana or Leonardo AI, which allow anyone to create bold, creative designs. All these developments add a splash of fun to our lives, but if you’re clued into leisure and gift trends, you may have noticed that hardware is slowly but surely making its way back into “must-have” lists. If you need any proof, just think of the hype generated by the Apple Vision Pro headset or Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. In the same way that print books are back and giving e-readers a run for their money, hardware, too, is appealing to consumers for its tactile appeal, beautiful design, and premium materials.
Hardware Shines in the Startup Sphere
You only need to look at the startup world to gauge the extent to which hardware has made a comeback. StartupBlink reports that about 6% of global startups launched in 2025 were centered on hardware and the internet of things (IoT). There are many exciting developments in the sector. For instance, TSMC, the world’s leading semiconductor foundry, manufactures cutting-edge chips for global tech giants, and its shares have gained 30% as of October this year. NVIDIA, meanwhile, develops specialized GPUs and AI hardware accelerators that power large-scale AI models and systems. That is not to say that the hardware sector doesn’t have a long list of challenges. For instance, its manufacturing cycles and costs are significantly higher than those of software—a fact that makes its resurgence even more noteworthy.
The Forces Behind the Rebirth of Hardware
There are many reasons businesses invest in hardware, with one of the most important being physical differentiation. Apps abound across myriad categories, while hardware offers a stronger design focus and the chance to highlight premium, sustainable, and local materials. Hardware—such as computers and other devices—offers texture and physical presence that can engage multiple senses, including sight, sound, and touch. Consumer demand is also changing; there is a growing desire for items with a premium feel. Luxury brands are designing aspirational items such as headphones made with soft leather and cutting-edge tech specs, and devices that are lighter and smaller, making them easier to transport.
Titanium as a Leading Figure in High-End Hardware
When it comes to creating hardware from lightweight yet sturdy metals that withstand high temperatures, titanium is taking the lead. The global titanium market is projected to reach approximately $53.65 billion in 2034, a testament to its importance in advanced manufacturing. Titanium appears everywhere, from the complex movements of luxury watches to the lightweight efficiency of everyday electronics. Searches for terms such as “titanium near me” have increased on Google as hobbyists and builders look for local sources of high-grade metal for prototypes. Titanium products in consumer electronics, in particular, are expected to reach $150 million in value this year. Just a few items made from this material include smartwatches from brands like Apple, Suunto, and Garmin, top-of-the-range earbuds, radiofrequency beauty and health devices, and even jewelry.
Embracing Sustainability
Consumers have spoken loud and clear: they are willing to spend more for sustainably manufactured premium products. Products made with metals and other materials that resist corrosion and degradation fit perfectly with the eco-friendly “design for life” concept. The idea is that it is better to pay more for something that will last decades—or even a lifetime—than for items that need seasonal replacement or those that are worn once and then thrown away. Sustainable metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium all boast impressive durability. Aluminum is infinitely recyclable with very little loss of quality. Recycling this material uses 95% less energy than producing new aluminum. In current times, many stainless steel products already contain up to 70% recycled content. Titanium is also fully recyclable, and it is increasingly produced via low-waste 3D printing.
Hardware is making a comeback for various reasons, including its sensory impact, sturdiness, and sustainability. Today’s gadgets are made to appeal to those who prize features such as a luxury feel or lightweight portability. These items form part of a movement that prioritizes sustainable products that last a lifetime over seasonal wonders.
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