Global PC Market Bounces Back with Growth in Q1, Says IDC
- tech360.tv
- Apr 9, 2024
- 2 min read
Global PC market returns to growth in Q1 after two years of decline, with a 1.5% increase in shipments. Availability of AI-capable PCs expected to boost demand and drive market recovery. Economic factors, such as high interest rates and inflation, have impacted PC demand in the past.
The global PC market has experienced a resurgence in the first quarter of this year, marking a significant turnaround after two years of decline, according to preliminary results released by market research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) on Monday.
In a positive development for the industry, PC shipments grew by 1.5% compared to the same period last year, reaching a total of 59.8 million units in Q1. This growth has brought the market back to pre-pandemic levels, driven by a refresh cycle for PCs that were purchased during the pandemic.
One key factor contributing to the rebound is the availability of AI-capable PCs, which are expected to drive demand and help the market recover from a slowdown in orders following the pandemic-induced buying spree.
The PC market has faced challenges over the past two years, including the impact of the economic landscape. High interest rates and persistent inflation have led businesses and consumers to delay system upgrades. However, IDC notes that the growth in Q1 was largely due to favorable year-over-year comparisons, and the easing inflation has also played a role in sparking a recovery in the Americas and Europe.
Despite the overall growth, the PC market in China, the largest consumer of desktop PCs, continues to face weakness. The popularity of desktops is declining in favor of laptops, particularly in China. This trend has had a global impact on PC sales, according to IDC.
Looking ahead, IDC predicts that the recovery will continue in 2024, driven by the introduction of newer AI PCs later this year and the refresh of PCs purchased during the pandemic by commercial buyers.
In terms of market share, China's Lenovo Group remains at the top of the list with a 23% share, followed by HP Inc. and Dell Technologies with market shares of approximately 20% and 15.5% respectively. Apple also saw a notable increase in shipments, with a 14.6% rise in Q1, securing an 8.1% market share.
The positive growth in the global PC market is a promising sign for the industry, as it indicates a recovery from the challenges faced in recent years. The availability of AI-capable PCs and the refresh cycle for pandemic-purchased devices are expected to drive further growth in the coming years.
Global PC market returns to growth in Q1 after two years of decline, with a 1.5% increase in shipments.
Availability of AI-capable PCs expected to boost demand and drive market recovery.
Economic factors, such as high interest rates and inflation, have impacted PC demand in the past.
Source: REUTERS
