Earlier quoted context omitted.
But, increasingly, users don’t need desktop software. In fact, the move towards sandboxes apps makes native apps closer to browser apps. I’m not even saying it’s a good thing. Just that gimping native apps isn’t the footgun it would have been 10 years ago.
What do you mean by "need"? Increasingly, users are force-fed cross-platform web apps. I wouldn't say that's what they need, and you're not even saying it's a good thing. If users don't need desktop software, then why do they need desktop hardware?
You emphasize “need” but it seems you mean “want.”
You bring up a great point about hardware too. People don’t need as much hardware given the increased connectivity and cloud computing.
Again, I’m not suggesting all this is good. But of course users _need_ local compute and native apps less than 10 years ago.