Global PC shipments reached 62.9 million units in the third quarter of 2024, marking a 1.3% decline compared to the same period in 2023, according to preliminary results from Gartner, Inc. This dip comes after three consecutive quarters of growth, influenced by limited demand for AI PCs and economic challenges.
- Limited Demand for AI PCs:
- Windows-based AI PCs for both Arm and x86 did not drive significant demand.
- Buyers have yet to see clear benefits or business value in AI PCs.
- Impact of Windows 10 End of Support:
- The anticipated surge in demand due to Windows 10’s end of support in 2025 has yet to fully materialize.
- Economic challenges in certain regions contributed to slower adoption.
- U.S. Market Growth:
- U.S. PC shipments increased by 5.6%, with over 17 million units sold.
- Strong demand in the public sector and education sector, especially for Chromebooks.
- EMEA Market Decline:
- PC shipments in EMEA decreased by 1.5% after three quarters of growth.
- Political events and major sporting events in the UK and France impacted technology spending.
- Asia/Pacific Market Weakness:
- The Asia/Pacific market declined 8.5%, driven by weak demand in China.
- China’s PC market, especially for desktops, saw a 10% year-over-year decline.
- Japan’s PC Growth:
- Japan experienced double-digit PC shipment growth for the first time in three years.
- Businesses accelerated PC refreshes ahead of Windows 10’s end of support.
Despite the year-over-year decline in Q3 2024, the global PC market remains on a recovery path. Growth is expected to pick up toward the end of 2024, with 2025 poised to see significant demand as businesses and consumers refresh their PCs, driven by the end of Windows 10 support.
