Global PC market grows 3.7%, 25% laptops GenAI capable.
AI-powered laptops are projected to dominate the laptop market, capturing nearly 60 percent of the total share by 2025. As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, laptops equipped with GenAI capabilities are gaining traction for their enhanced performance, efficiency, and ability to handle complex tasks. These laptops are expected to revolutionize various industries, including education, business, and creative fields, by providing smarter, more efficient computing experiences. The rapid adoption of AI technology in personal computing is set to reshape the future of the global laptop market in the coming years.
Global PC Market Sees Growth, AI Laptops on the Rise in 2024
New Delhi: The global PC market experienced a notable growth of 3.7 percent in shipments during the fourth quarter of 2024. More importantly, over 25 percent of laptops shipped last year were generative AI (GenAI)-capable, signaling the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence in personal computing. This growth trend was driven by several factors, including an ongoing surge in enterprise IT orders, with businesses updating their systems ahead of the looming end of Windows 10 support, set for October 2025.
According to preliminary data from Counterpoint Research, the last quarter of 2024 saw a steady flow of orders from enterprises. Companies have been actively preparing for the end of Windows 10 support, prompting widespread upgrades to new systems. This shift towards newer models is not just a hardware upgrade, but also an investment in future-proofing IT infrastructures, especially as organizations increasingly seek to leverage the advantages offered by AI-powered technologies.
Steady Growth Across the Year
Looking at the entire year of 2024, PC vendors shipped a total of 253 million PCs, which represents a 2.6 percent increase over the previous year. The growth was fueled by two major factors: the end of Windows 10 support and the first wave of AI-capable PCs hitting the market in the second half of the year. The expiration of Windows 10 support has been a catalyst for businesses to accelerate their hardware upgrades to ensure continued security and productivity. The incorporation of generative AI technology in new laptops has also sparked significant interest, as these devices offer improved performance, efficiency, and advanced features that appeal to both consumers and enterprises.
The combination of these factors — the upcoming Windows 10 deadline and the rise of AI laptops — has created a perfect storm for the global PC market, boosting shipments and encouraging the adoption of cutting-edge technology.
Rise of AI Laptops
One of the most notable trends in the global PC market is the increasing popularity of laptops equipped with generative AI (GenAI) capabilities. These AI-powered laptops have become a key focus for both manufacturers and consumers, as they offer enhanced capabilities that traditional laptops cannot match. With the rise of AI-driven software, laptops equipped with specialized chips and GenAI capabilities are able to perform tasks such as natural language processing, image recognition, and automated decision-making with greater efficiency.
AI laptops are projected to capture nearly 60 percent of the total laptop market by 2025. This shift reflects the growing demand for smarter, more powerful devices that can keep up with the rapidly advancing capabilities of artificial intelligence. Enterprises are particularly eager to invest in AI laptops as they can significantly boost productivity by automating repetitive tasks, providing more accurate data analysis, and improving overall efficiency.
As AI technology continues to mature, so too will the ecosystem of AI software and applications. The maturity of Agentic AI — which refers to AI systems capable of making decisions, analyzing situations, and acting autonomously — is expected to play a significant role in the expansion of AI laptops. As these systems proliferate, the demand for hardware that can support them will only increase.
The Growing Role of AI in the Global PC Market
The integration of AI technology into personal computers is not just a passing trend; it represents a fundamental shift in how computers will be used in the future. From business applications to consumer entertainment, AI is transforming the way we interact with technology. For businesses, AI laptops offer the potential to streamline workflows, improve security, and enhance customer experiences. In the consumer market, AI laptops are enabling better content creation, personalized experiences, and faster processing speeds.
The growing importance of AI in the PC market is also reflected in the efforts of major manufacturers to prioritize AI integration in their products. Leading tech companies are investing heavily in developing laptops with advanced AI chips and software, ensuring that their devices stay ahead of the curve. In addition to the hardware improvements, AI is also driving significant changes in software development. Developers are increasingly focusing on creating applications that can take advantage of the unique capabilities of AI-powered laptops.
Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in PCs
Looking forward to 2025 and beyond, the global PC market is set to see further integration of AI technologies, with AI laptops expected to dominate the market. The increasing reliance on AI for both business and personal use will likely accelerate the adoption of these devices across all sectors. As enterprises continue to modernize their IT infrastructures and consumers demand more powerful, efficient laptops, AI-powered devices will become the standard.
For the global PC market, the rise of AI laptops represents a promising opportunity. As businesses and individuals alike seek smarter, more capable devices, the demand for AI-enabled technology will only continue to grow. The ongoing development of AI software and applications will further enhance the capabilities of these devices, making them even more valuable tools for users worldwide.
The next few years will likely see rapid advancements in both AI hardware and software, ushering in a new era of computing. Whether for work, education, entertainment, or innovation, AI laptops are poised to play a central role in shaping the future of the global PC market.