Global PC Market Rebounds in Q2 2024 Driven by AI and Strategic Retail Efforts

Highlights

• Global PC shipments reached 64.9 million units in Q2 2024
• Market grew by 5% outside China, indicating regional recovery
• Rise of AI-powered devices is boosting PC demand
• Top five vendors: Lenovo, HP, Dell, Apple, and Acer

The worldwide personal computer market rebounded significantly in the second quarter of 2024, marking the end of a lengthy period of decline.

According to IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker, global PC shipments were 64.9 million units in Q2 2024, up 3% over the same time previous year.

Notably, outside China, the market grew by 5%, indicating a possible rebound outside of this area.

PC Market Growing Yearly

Retailers and brands helped the market rebound.

Jitesh Ubrani, a research manager at IDC, underlined the effective shift from last year’s low pricing owing to surplus inventories.

“Outside the commercial refresh cycle, promotional activity from consumer-oriented brands and channels have helped bolster the segment,” said Jitesh. “The market has also moved past the rock bottom pricing brought about by excess inventory last year, signifying growth in average selling prices due to richer configurations and reduced discounting,” he continued.

This transformation is reflected in the rise in average PC pricing, as the market transitioned toward delivering more powerful computers and away from aggressive discounting techniques.

One of the primary factors propelling the PC industry is the rise of AI-powered devices.

Ryan Reith, group vice president with IDC’s Worldwide Device Trackers also said, “Make no mistake, the PC market just like other technology markets faces challenges in the near term due to maturity and headwinds. However, two consecutive quarters of growth, combined with plenty of market hype around AI PCs and a less sexy but arguably more important commercial refresh cycle, seems to be what the PC market needed. The buzz is clearly around AI, but a lot is happening with non-AI PC purchasing to make this mature market show signs of positivity.”

AI Supercharging PC Demand

Major corporations are prioritizing the development of AI PCs, with an emphasis on commercial applications.

IDC says that businesses provide the quickest chance to implement AI technologies into PCs, which aligns with many firms’ ongoing digital transitions.

However, the consumer market for AI PCs has considerable potential, which is now being investigated.

Apple’s next product launches are expected to play a significant role in this arena, according to industry analysts.

Furthermore, leading chipmakers like as Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD are projected to make important contributions to the development of AI PCs for both commercial and consumer sectors.

The top five PC vendors in Q2 2024, based on IDC’s data, were as follows:

• Lenovo: Maintained its leadership position with 14.7 million units shipped, capturing a 22.7% market share.
• HP: Came in second with 13.7 million units shipped, securing a 21.1% market share.
• Dell: Held the third spot with 10.1 million units shipped, translating to a 15.5% market share.
• Apple: Showed strong growth with 5.7 million units shipped, representing an 8.8% market share.
• Acer: Rounded out the top five with 4.4 million units shipped, accounting for a 6.8% market share.

Other vendors collectively shipped 16.3 million units, capturing a combined market share of 25.1%.

The positive trend in the global PC market indicates a potential comeback, driven by strategic efforts from retailers, the rise of AI technology, and significant contributions from major industry players

FAQs

How much did the global PC market grow in Q2 2024?

The global PC market grew by 3% year-over-year in Q2 2024, with shipments reaching 64.9 million units.

What factors contributed to the PC market’s rebound?

The market rebound was driven by strategic retail efforts, higher average PC pricing, and the rise of AI-powered devices.

Which regions showed significant growth in the PC market?

The market grew by 5% outside China, indicating a potential recovery in regions beyond China.

Who are the top five PC vendors in Q2 2024?

The top five PC vendors were Lenovo, HP, Dell, Apple, and Acer, with Lenovo leading the market share at 22.7%.

How are AI technologies influencing the PC market?

AI technologies are significantly boosting PC demand, especially in commercial applications, with major contributions from companies like Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD.

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