From January 29 to 31, 2025, the Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE) in Las Vegas attracted global attention as one of the largest and most specialized gatherings for the vape industry. More than just a place for showcasing the latest products and technologies, TPE serves as a key barometer for the industry’s future trends and direction. This year’s event was especially captivating, as it brought together exhibitors and audiences from all over the world, unveiling groundbreaking technologies and new flavors that breathe fresh life into the vape market. However, it also raised questions about the growing dominance of the big players in the industry. As the giants consolidate their power, how can smaller businesses carve out a place at the table?
1. Bigger Puffs and Flavor Customization: The Core Trends of 2025
Looking back at last year’s trend reports, like “Vape Newcomers: Multiple World Firsts, Big Puffs Still Rule the Scene,” it’s clear that the biggest names in vaping are continuing to focus on two things: bigger puffs and customizable flavors. In fact, during the 2025 TPE, the trend was even more pronounced as companies revealed products designed around maximizing puff counts and flavor variation, with the high-definition, large-screen designs that once dominated starting to fade into the background.
The demand for more intense, customizable experiences continues to rise. Whether it’s extended usage time or flavor options, vape users are craving more control over their sessions. In fact, many products unveiled at the TPE expo promise to give users exactly that—an unprecedented level of flavor variation and vaping power.
2. FEELM’s Flavors That Pack a Punch
A standout at the TPE expo was FEELM, which introduced a series of innovative flavor adjustment solutions designed to push the boundaries of what we expect from vaping. These new releases cater to the growing demand for long-lasting, high-performance vapes. FEELM’s offerings include several options designed for intense puffs, with products providing up to 40,000 puffs—clearly targeting users who want a more prolonged and satisfying experience.
These flavor-adaptable solutions include BINARY, OFF-SCREEN, and OFF-ADJUST, which promise an impressive range of flavors—up to six distinct options—each tailored for different tastes. Whether you’re into spicy, milky, or tangy, BINARY is offering a solution for almost every palate. The inclusion of spicy and milkshake flavors is particularly interesting given the fact that spicy foods are consumed by over 3 billion people globally, and dairy consumption continues to soar. With these new options, it’s clear that the vape industry is about to get a lot more adventurous in terms of flavor offerings.
Another major highlight was the HookahSWITCH, a revolutionary two-in-one vape that supports both DTL (Direct-to-Lung) and MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) modes. The HookahSWITCH offers more than just massive puffs—it’s a whole new level of flavor versatility for enthusiasts. And let’s not forget the global-first hookah vape solutions, which aim to provide an all-in-one experience for flavor-seeking consumers.
3. A Game-Changer: Modular Designs and Flavor Customization
At the expo, the focus on modularity was evident, with more companies unveiling products that let users customize their vaping experience on a level not seen before. One of the most buzzed-about releases came from NEXA with their NEXA FLEX system—a smart platform that allows users to switch between various types of vape pods, including COOL Pods and VISIBLE Pods. The COOL Pods, which offer four distinct levels of coldness, push the boundaries of what users can expect in terms of adjusting flavor and sensation. The entire experience is meant to be as personalized as possible, with NEXA aiming to add flexibility to the vaping experience while keeping the user in full control.
4. Ceramic Coil Tech and Other Groundbreaking Innovations
As any vape enthusiast will tell you, the technology behind the device is just as important as the flavor itself. This year’s TPE expo showcased several mind-blowing innovations in vape technology, with a strong emphasis on enhancing the user experience and product longevity. Ceramic coil technology is one of the most exciting developments. FEELM displayed their latest ceramic coil models, including the BLAST and BINARY series, which bring much-needed improvements in performance, flavor consistency, and longevity.
These new ceramic coils are designed to handle higher wattage (up to 22W) without compromising flavor quality, allowing for a smoother and more robust vaping experience. This is a huge leap, considering most ceramic coils on the market max out at 20W. The improved design ensures better heat distribution and eliminates the risks of burnt flavors, making for a cleaner, smoother hit with every puff.
In addition, iHit Tech’s new ceramic coil solutions—specifically the iHit Solo and iHit Dual—have taken vaping to new heights. These upgrades reduce condensation, enhance airflow, and prevent leaks, addressing some of the most common issues faced by vape users. The iHit Dual, in particular, offers a more even vape experience with a clean, crisp flavor that satisfies without any harshness.
5. Invisible Smoke and Transparent Design: A Cleaner, Sleeker Experience
Among the more futuristic innovations on display were NEXA’s groundbreaking “InvisaCloud” technology and their Crystal Tank design. The InvisaCloud is a first-of-its-kind disposable vape that produces no visible smoke, creating a clean, almost invisible experience. This technology is aimed at those who want to enjoy vaping without the conspicuous cloud of vapor that often lingers in the air. Whether you’re in a crowded space or just want to be low-key, this new development will certainly appeal to a large segment of the vape community.
Meanwhile, the transparent tanks featured by NEXA’s Crystal Tank technology ensure that the e-liquid stays fresh and protected from environmental factors like light, which can degrade the quality of the juice over time. Additionally, these transparent pods are made with anti-bacterial materials, adding an extra layer of protection for users concerned with hygiene and the quality of their vaping experience.
6. All-in-One Vape Platforms: The Rise of Cross-Compatibility
With more people seeking customizable experiences, the demand for versatile, all-in-one devices has skyrocketed. Dojo’s iMate series was one of the most talked-about innovations at the TPE expo. This platform is the first of its kind to be fully compatible with all types of vape pods—whether they are pre-filled, refillable, or nicotine-free. This flexibility allows users to choose from a variety of options, all without needing to switch devices. It’s a smart, eco-friendly move that speaks to the growing trend of sustainability and convenience in the vape industry.
iMate’s versatility extends to their PIXEL 25000, a sleek device with a built-in gravity sensor and a dual-pixel display. The platform not only supports multiple pod types but also integrates several new features, including a more intuitive user interface, a longer battery life, and an optimized design for a cleaner and more efficient vaping experience.
7. Environmental Responsibility and Compliance: The New Standard
As vaping continues to grow, the industry is increasingly paying attention to public health and regulatory concerns. This year’s TPE expo marked a significant shift toward healthier, more sustainable options. Zero-nicotine or low-nicotine products are becoming the new norm, with more and more companies focusing on offering products that cater to those looking to reduce or eliminate nicotine intake entirely. This aligns with the growing trend of wellness in the vape industry, where consumers are more mindful of what they’re inhaling.
Furthermore, as the industry matures, there is a stronger emphasis on compliance with legal and social standards. This includes making products less appealing to minors by stripping away flashy designs and unnecessary features. Several exhibitors focused on making devices that are not only responsible but also more streamlined and functional, showing that the industry is slowly moving toward greater regulation and responsibility.
The Road Ahead for Vaping: Innovation Meets Market Saturation
In the fast-paced world of vaping, innovation is key to staying relevant, and the 2025 TPE expo showcased some of the most exciting developments in years. From customizable flavors to next-gen ceramic coils and invisible smoke, the industry is heading in bold new directions. But as the big players like FEELM and NEXA dominate the market with cutting-edge tech and broad flavor options, smaller companies face an uphill battle to stay in the game.
The key to survival in this increasingly competitive market lies in innovation, agility, and a deep understanding of what consumers want. With the right approach, smaller vape brands can still carve out a niche and thrive in the evolving landscape. As the industry continues to evolve, one thing is certain: the future of vaping is looking more diverse and exciting than ever before.
