The decline in personal computer (PC) sales is anticipated to reverse in 2024, with a projected growth of 8%, according to analysts. Canalys suggests that consumers, seeking to refresh their PCs from the pandemic era, will contribute to the revival of the PC market. The end of support for Microsoft’s Windows 10 in 2025 is also expected to drive sales, encouraging users to upgrade to newer devices.
The aging installed base of commercial PCs, surpassing four years by 2024, is likely to necessitate a refresh, coinciding with the demand to migrate toward Windows 11. IDC anticipates a 3.4% growth in the PC market in 2024 compared to 2023.
The pandemic-induced shift to remote work and learning in 2020 led to the highest growth in global PC sales since 2010. However, shipments experienced consecutive quarterly declines since the beginning of 2022 due to macroeconomic challenges, weak demand, and a shift in IT budgets away from device purchases.
The rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to be a key driver of PC sales, with consumers actively seeking devices that integrate AI features to enhance productivity and leisure experiences. Canalys predicts that 60% of PCs shipped in 2027 will be AI-capable, reflecting the evolving role of PCs in both software and hardware domains.
HP CEO Enrique Lores believes that new computers with AI capabilities will play a significant role in accelerating the growth of the PC market, doubling its growth starting next year. Initially targeting specific segments of the enterprise market, AI-integrated PCs are expected to gain broader market adoption as costs decrease and more use cases emerge.
The integration of AI capabilities into PCs is viewed as a catalyst for upgrades, with new models expected to hit shelves in 2024, contributing to the overall positive outlook for the PC market.
