2025 Predictions


The consumer hardware landscape Crunching the numbers globally is a bellwether for local UK markets, and there is some reassurance that ‘it’s not just us’. Te global consumer electronics market has encountered challenges recently, with international sales declining by $10 billion since 2021 due to rising costs and inflation.


projected to reach $33.8 billion in 2025 and $43 billion by 2029. Meanwhile, desktop gaming PCs are expected to see more modest growth, reaching $28.5 billion next year and $32.5 billion by 2029. Te number of users in the market is also anticipated to increase significantly, growing from 136 million in 2024 to over 156 million in five years.


The print industry evolution Te print industry is moving towards cloud-first strategies, with cloud-based print management becoming more widespread. Tis shiſt promises improved scalability, flexibility, and security, aligning print management with the broader digital transformation trend. Tis brings up the question of adopting zero-trust security,


However, the industry is projected to reach $1 trillion in sales


within the next two years, according to Stocklytics.com. Statista forecasts five years of steady growth, estimating the market value will reach $977.5 billion next year and become a trillion-dollar industry by 2026. By 2029, sales are expected to climb to nearly $1.1 trillion, with sales volume increasing from 8.2 million to over 9 million units and the average price per unit rising to $121.70. Key product sectors such as smartphones, gaming equipment,


and streaming devices are expected to drive this recovery. Global smartphone sales are projected to grow by 8%, reaching $521 billion by 2026 and nearly $580 billion by 2029. Gaming equipment sales are anticipated to increase by 12%, reaching $38.3 billion, while streaming devices could experience 40% growth, nearing $17 billion by 2029. In contrast, sectors like computing, drones, TV, radio, and multimedia are expected to have lower growth rates, with revenues rising by 12%, 11%, and 9%, respectively. Te PC industry is also set to recover, with global PC sales projected


to grow by 2.9% to reach $225 billion by 2025. Tis recovery will be primarily driven by laptop sales, expected to rise by 3.6% to $132.1 billion. Tablet sales are predicted to increase by 2.6% to $55.1 billion, while desktop PC sales will see modest growth of 0.9%, reaching $38.3 billion. Statista forecasts steady growth in the PC market over the next four years, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3%, resulting in a market volume of $247.1 billion by 2028. Te gaming PC sector has seen stable growth. Gamers spent over


$59 billion on gaming desktop PCs and laptops in 2024, with gaming PCs projected to grow at twice the overall market rate, reaching $62 billion next year. Factors contributing to this strong performance include a large gaming user base, a growing esports audience, and new features such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), ray tracing, and AI-powered games. Te demand from content creators and streamers also plays a significant role. Statista anticipates a 5.3% growth in global gaming PC sales,


resulting in over $62 billion in revenue by 2025. Continued steady growth will lead to $75.5 billion in revenue by the decade’s end. Most of this growth will come from gaming laptops, with sales


32 | January/February 2025


which Steve Pearce, group head of marketing at Kyocera, says is crucial due to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. “Given the constantly evolving threat landscape, adopting a zero-trust approach to security is essential for maintaining the integrity of print infrastructure,” he explained. Tis strategy treats every print device as a potential target and safeguards it through strict policies and enhanced endpoint detection. Te print industry has significant commercial potential, especially


with specialised devices. Pearce foresees substantial opportunities for channel partners to serve customers needing high-volume print capabilities, while Andy Muskett from Xerox stressed the importance of integrating next-generation digital tools and cloud services. “Embracing these innovations will elevate businesses from service providers to essential, forward-thinking partners in their clients’ growth journeys,” Muskett says. Technological advancements are driving transformational change


in the industry. Pearce says: “By embracing advanced technologies and fostering diverse teams, we are positioning ourselves to meet the evolving needs of a dynamic customer base.” Muskett adds that AI will play a transformative role, enhancing efficiency and customisation in print services. “AI will power the future of print,” he says. Sustainability continues to be a critical focus. Pearce anticipates


an even stronger emphasis on eco-friendly practices: “In 2025, we expect a heightened focus on sustainability, with environmental, social, and governance (ESG & SDG) initiatives becoming essential.” Supporting this view, Andy Muskett from Xerox said it is vital to have a robust sustainability strategy driven by the rising demand for ESG compliance: “Companies prioritising genuine sustainability initiatives will gain market trust.”


A word about regulations “Te channel is making good progress to become more inclusive and sustainable,” says Gavin Jones of BT Wholesale, “but in 2025, it’s time to truly champion allyship and make lasting change.“ Clare Hobby, director of purchaser engagement at TCO


Development, says there is a growing focus on EU regulations, especially around reporting requirements and the new battery directive. “Circularity has taken centre stage,” she says, but measuring Scope 3 emissions presents a significant challenge. Te time and effort dedicated to meeting reporting standards oſten detract from innovation to reduce these emissions. However, “sustainability is no longer a choice; it’s an obligation,” she says, and “the focus will be firmly on Scope 3 reductions.”


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