Canalys predicts 8% growth for global PC market in 2024, reveals forecast

The global PC market is showing signs of recovery, with Canalys predicting a 5% growth in the fourth quarter of 2023 and an 8% increase in full-year shipments to 267 million units in 2024, driven by the holiday season, macroeconomic improvements, Windows refresh cycle, and the emergence of AI-capable and Arm-based devices.

Holiday season expected to provide a boost to PC sales
Macroeconomic environment is improving, creating a favorable climate for increased PC adoption
Windows refresh cycle and emergence of AI-capable and Arm-based devices expected to drive growth

In a much-needed turn of events, the global PC market is finally showing signs of recovery after a long period of decline. Canalys, the market research firm, predicts that worldwide PC shipments will experience a 5% growth in the fourth quarter of 2023, marking a significant turnaround. This positive trend is expected to continue into 2024, with full-year shipments estimated to reach a staggering 267 million units, an 8% increase compared to the previous year.

Several factors contribute to this anticipated rebound. Firstly, the holiday season is expected to provide a boost to PC sales, as consumers gear up to purchase new devices. Additionally, the overall macroeconomic environment is improving, creating a favorable climate for increased PC adoption.

One significant driver of this recovery is the much-anticipated Windows refresh cycle. As users eagerly await the latest updates and improvements from Microsoft’s operating system, demand for new PCs is set to surge. Moreover, the emergence of AI-capable and ARM-based devices is also expected to play a pivotal role in driving growth. Industry leaders, including OEMs, processor manufacturers, and operating system providers, are actively developing new models with AI capabilities, aiming to meet the evolving needs of consumers.

Canalys Analyst Ben Yeh emphasizes the transformative impact of AI on the PC industry. With AI functionality becoming an expected feature, the demand for AI-capable PCs is projected to rise rapidly. By 2024, it is estimated that AI-capable PCs will account for approximately 19% of total shipments. This includes not only Apple’s M-series Mac products but also the upcoming products in the Windows ecosystem.

The commercial segment, which has experienced delayed purchasing decisions in recent times, is expected to witness a surge in demand in 2024. Canalys Principal Analyst Ishan Dutt highlights the positive sentiment among partners, with 47% of them anticipating a growth of 10% or more in their Windows PC shipments next year. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are seen as a particularly promising market, as they have faced challenges in budgeting for PC procurement due to macroeconomic difficulties. The availability of Arm-based PCs, driven by Qualcomm’s X Elite chip, will further enhance the products partners can provide to customers, thanks to improvements in power efficiency and battery life.

The future of the PC market looks promising, with recovery on the horizon. As the industry embraces AI capabilities and introduces innovative devices, we can expect a surge in demand and a return to the shipment levels seen in 2019. The PC is far from obsolete, and its evolution continues to shape the way we work and play.

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Background Information

About Apple:

Apple Inc., known for its iconic products, was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in 1976. The company has since revolutionized the technology landscape with innovations like the Macintosh computer, iPod, iPhone, iPad, and more. for its emphasis on design, user experience, and ecosystem integration, Apple's devices and software have made a profound impact on various industries. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Apple remains a global technology leader.

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About ARM:

ARM, originally known as Acorn RISC Machine, is a British semiconductor and software design company that specializes in creating energy-efficient microprocessors, system-on-chip (SoC) designs, and related technologies. Founded in 1990, ARM has become a important player in the global semiconductor industry and is widely recognized for its contributions to mobile computing, embedded systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. ARM's microprocessor designs are based on the Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) architecture, which prioritizes simplicity and efficiency in instruction execution. This approach has enabled ARM to produce highly efficient and power-saving processors that are used in a vast array of devices, ranging from smartphones and tablets to IoT devices, smart TVs, and more. The company does not manufacture its own chips but licenses its processor designs and intellectual property to a wide range of manufacturers, including Qualcomm, Apple, Samsung, and NVIDIA, who then integrate ARM's technology into their own SoCs. This licensing model has contributed to ARM's widespread adoption and influence across various industries.

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About Microsoft:

Microsoft, founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975 in Redmond, Washington, USA, is a technology giant known for its wide range of software products, including the Windows operating system, Office productivity suite, and cloud services like Azure. Microsoft also manufactures hardware, such as the Surface line of laptops and tablets, Xbox gaming consoles, and accessories.

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About Qualcomm:

Qualcomm, a leading American global semiconductor and telecommunications equipment company, has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern technology landscape. Founded in 1985, Qualcomm has been at the forefront of innovation, particularly in the realm of mobile communications and wireless technology. The company's advancements have been instrumental in the evolution of smartphones, powering devices with their Snapdragon processors that deliver exceptional performance and efficiency. With a strong commitment to research and development, Qualcomm has enabled the growth of 5G technology, paving the way for faster and more connected experiences.