AI development helps Apple PC shipments jump 21%
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The news: Global shipments of personal computers saw a second consecutive quarter of growth, following seven straight quarters of decline, with Apple making the largest rise among PC makers.
The numbers: According to preliminary data from research firm International Data Corporation (IDC), worldwide shipments reached 64.9 million units in the second quarter of 2024, representing year-on-year growth of 3%.
While the overall market benefited from favourable comparisons to 2023, weak results in China continued to hold the market back, the report said. Excluding China, worldwide shipments grew more than 5% year over year.
Apple's shipments surged 20.8% compared to the second quarter of 2023, the biggest rise among PC makers, followed by Acer Group which saw 13.7% growth.
The context: IDC said that in recent months, most of the industry players had laid out initial strategies for AI-capable PCs, focusing primarily on the component side and the potential for the commercial market.
While IDC believes the commercial market has the biggest short-term upside for AI in the PC industry, it noted that "the consumer story has yet to be told in full".
Apple is expected to lead the way with anticipated product launches later this year, while global competitors such as Qualcomm, Intel and AMD were also likely to make further announcements about consumer and commercial AI PCs.
Last month, Apple unveiled its new "Apple Intelligence" technology for iPhone, iPad and Mac, which will integrate artificial intelligence into its latest operating system, and utilise its partnership with OpenAI to bring ChatGPT to its products.
What they said: IDC group vice president Ryan Reith 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."
The source: IDC media release
