Globally, 73% of consumers want brands to “wow” them (VML, 2025). Brands are tapping into this growing desire for awe-inspiring (awesperiential) experiences via wonderland-esque spaces that recast tech as a source of seemingly infinite possibility – even as distrust of Big Tech rises. See also Inspiring Communal Awe in Pop Culture Primer: 8 Trends for 2025.  

Digital balance is an increasingly critical issue – and one that tech brands must help to solve. While there’s an overwhelming need for services and education supporting younger consumers, forward-thinking brands are extending into helping adults achieve digital balance, too.  

The circular tech economy is set to boom as brands extend customer relationships beyond transactions – and build loyalty – via anti-obsolescence operating systems (OSs), care-centric subscriptions and predictive and agentic artificial intelligence (AI)-based repairs. 

Data-driven wellness culture is booming: the fitness tech market is expected to reach $475.3bn by 2033, expanding by 18.5% annually (Business Research Insights, 2025). We look at developments including Technogym’s tourist-focused personalised pop-ups, Samsung’s marathon-based recovery-centric activations as well as fit tech initiatives.

Acknowledging the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, astute tech brands are pioneering new recommerce and rental models that appeal to value-conscious consumers who prioritise financial flexibility and low upfront costs – pitching the budget option as the only smart (and often sustainable) choice. For more, see Capturing the Cost-Conscious Consumer: Top Retail Tactics.