The world of computing and computer hardware is a fast and ever-evolving market. The latest trends released just the other day may be outdated and obsolete after only a few years as the market continues to innovate and excite. The tech hardware industry includes computer hardware and technology, peripheral devices, infrastructure, and semiconductors.
Along the tech hardware value chain are several globally recognized players, ranging from Apple to Dell, IBM to Intel. However, competition is stiff, with tech firms across the world investing heavily in research and development to maintain their lead in the market, as well as continuing to develop innovative products and services. As a result, many of the leading companies in the hardware industry are among the world’s largest and richest companies.
The coronavirus pandemic in 2020 had a significant impact on the tech hardware industry. Disruption to supply chains, impacts on the workforce, and demands brought about by the transition to a new way of life, resulted in businesses along the entire electronics value chain having to evaluate and modify their operations. While there was increased demand for devices and technologies to support remote working, overall IT hardware spending fell as projects and purchases were delayed or restricted.
IT devices total spending worldwideFollowing a contraction in five out of the last six years, the global PC market saw a surge in shipments in 2020. The coronavirus pandemic forced many people to work and learn from home, with portable products such as laptops and tablets proving popular. Computer peripheral devices such as monitors and keyboards also saw a rise in sales, enabling the seamless transition to remote environments. As countries continue to enforce remote work and education, device spending is set to increase in 2021.
PCsData centers, centralized locations where computing and networking equipment is concentrated, are forecast to receive increased investment in 2021. Security and efficiency have been enhanced by the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI), processes that require specialized AI chips. Advanced applications such as 5G and IoT will benefit from advancements in AI chip technology and the development of both hyperscale and edge data centers – specialized facilities located closer to end-users.
Data centersOne of the most well-known processor types is the central processing unit (CPU), a market dominated by Intel and AMD. Both firms also contest a graphics processing unit (GPU) market with Nvidia, developing products used by gamers and in data centers. System-on-a-chip (SoC) is a product found in smartphones and other IoT devices. Examples include Qualcomm and Apple chips, used in the latest Android and iPhone devices, respectively, with both SoCs using Arm-based processor architecture.
IntelExtended reality (XR) is an emerging term for all immersive technologies, including augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), and those yet to be created. Innovation within the tech hardware industry is helping firms to design and develop devices that can deliver immersive audio and visuals in a way previously unimaginable. As the technology improves, the use cases of XR will become more extensive within entertainment, education, industrial applications, and more.
Extended reality (XR)The tech hardware industry includes computer hardware and technology, peripheral devices, infrastructure, and semiconductors. Statista provides information on spending within the overall technology hardware industry and its segments, both on a global and regional scale. Additionally, the financial metrics and market share of the major players within the relevant market segments are also covered, together with data on the application and usage of technology hardware.
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