According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker, there has been a noteworthy reversal in the PC market following seven consecutive quarters of decline. The research unveiled that global PC shipments reached 64.9 million units in the second quarter of 2024, marking a 3% increase since the previous year.
Despite slower sales in China, worldwide shipments experienced a growth of more than 5% year over year, indicating a promising trend for the industry. Ryan Reith, group vice president with IDC’s Worldwide Device Trackers, highlighted the challenges faced by the PC market but also emphasized the positive growth achieved over the past two quarters. He mentioned that the commercial refresh cycle and the buzz around AI PCs have contributed to this momentum.
IDC also underscored the strategies being developed by industry players to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into personal computers, particularly in the component side and the commercial market. While the commercial market is expected to have the biggest short-term potential for AI in the PC industry, the consumer aspect has yet to be fully explored. The upcoming product launches by Apple, along with the efforts of Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD, are expected to make waves in both consumer and commercial markets for AI PCs.
Lenovo emerged as the leader in PC shipments during the quarter, selling 14.7 million machines, while Apple secured the fourth position with 5.7 million units shipped. Remarkably, Apple exhibited the largest turnaround with a 20.8% increase in shipments year over year, showcasing its strong presence in the PC market.
The findings from Morgan Stanley in May also highlighted the potential for a new wave of PC sales, attributing it to factors such as Microsoft’s new line of AI-ready personal computers, a growing commercial PC installed base, and the wind-down of Windows 10.
Microsoft’s new “Copilot+ PCs” have been specifically designed to handle generative AI processes locally, reflecting the company’s belief in the future of AI-powered computing. With these developments, it is evident that AI is set to play a significant role in shaping the future of personal computers, catering to the evolving needs of users.
In conclusion, the recent surge in PC shipments, particularly the remarkable growth seen in Apple’s computer shipments, points towards a positive outlook for the PC market. The integration of AI into personal computers and the upcoming product launches by major players are expected to further drive this growth and set new benchmarks in the industry.