AI PCs fail to boost market in Q3: Despite industry hype, the introduction of AI-powered personal computers did not prevent a decline in overall PC shipments during the third quarter of 2024.
- IDC reports a 2.4% year-over-year decrease in PC shipments, with only 68.8 million units shipped between July and September.
- Gartner estimates a similar decline of 1.3% year-over-year for the same period.
- The lackluster performance comes as a surprise to analysts who had anticipated a market rebound following the post-pandemic slump.
Challenges for AI PC adoption: The slow start for AI PCs highlights the difficulties in convincing consumers and businesses of their value proposition.
- Gartner analyst Mikako Kitagawa notes that buyers have yet to see clear benefits or business value in AI PCs, despite a full lineup of Windows-based options for both Arm and x86 architectures.
- IDC suggests that rising costs and a surge in PC volumes during Q2 contributed to the shipment decline, particularly affecting Apple.
- The research firm predicts that mass market adoption of AI PCs may take longer than expected, potentially extending into 2026.
US market bucks the trend: Despite the global decline, the United States saw significant growth in PC shipments during Q3.
- Gartner reports a 5.6% year-over-year increase in US PC shipments.
- The growth is attributed to stable macroeconomic conditions, healthy demand from the public sector, and strong back-to-school sales.
Future outlook remains positive: Both Gartner and IDC maintain optimistic projections for the PC market in the coming years.
- The researchers expect global PC growth to resume throughout the year and into 2025.
- A key driver for this anticipated growth is the end of support for Windows 10, scheduled for October 14, 2025.
- New AI-focused PCs from major manufacturers like Qualcomm, Intel, AMD, and Apple’s M4-based Macs are expected to boost the premium segment of the market.
Industry focus on AI development: The next year will be crucial for the AI PC market as it works to establish its place in the computing landscape.
- IDC analyst Linn Huang emphasizes that the coming year will be largely focused on developing software, use cases, and identifying target audiences for AI-enabled hardware.
- This period of development and refinement will be critical in determining the long-term success and adoption of AI PCs.
Balancing expectations and reality: The slow start for AI PCs in Q3 2024 serves as a reminder that technological advancements often face initial hurdles in market adoption.
- While the industry continues to promote AI PCs as the future of computing, the current market response suggests a need for more compelling demonstrations of their value.
- The coming months will be crucial for manufacturers and software developers to create and showcase practical applications that leverage AI capabilities in ways that resonate with consumers and businesses alike.
Slow Start for AI PCs As Overall Market Stumbles in Q3
