PC market forecast 3% growth in 2024 as device upgrades outpace AI demand: Details here

HIGHLIGHTS

The PC market recorded sequential growth in both the first and second quarters of 2024.

A total of 64.9 million units were sold in both quarters.

A recent study by IDC suggests that embedded AI capabilities are not the main driver of this growth.

During the Covid phase, many markets experienced a massive decline due to low demand. This includes the global PC market. But after several years, he is finally moving towards recovery. The PC market recorded sequential growth in both the first and second quarters of 2024. In fact, worldwide shipments increased by 3% in both quarters. A total of 64.9 million units were sold in both quarters. According to analysts, this growth can be attributed to many factors, such as increasing demand for AI-powered computers and the end of Windows 10 support in October 2025. But the story doesn’t end there, according to a recently published study. International Data Corporation (IDC) suggests that embedded AI capabilities are not the main driver of this growth.

The IDC report suggests that the increase in PC shipments is driven by the need for consumers and businesses to replace their old devices and upgrade their existing laptops rather than buying a new PC just for AI. AI features are just an add-on.

“While AI has been a buzzword lately, it has yet to become a purchasing tool among PC buyers,” said Jitesh Ubrani, research manager for Worldwide Mobile Device Trackers at IDC. “Businesses are aware of the importance of AI, but many struggle to see the immediate use case. “Instead, they are opting for AI computers as a means of future-proofing.”

He also added that many customers currently do not understand the advantages of AI-powered components such as dedicated neural processing units (NPUs) in PCs. Now, as companies add artificial intelligence features to their devices, there is a need to highlight its benefits.

The debate over whether AI is driving growth will continue, but overall global PC shipments look positive this year and further growth is expected.