According to Canalys, the AI PC market reached new heights in Q3 2024, with global shipments totaling 13.3 million units and comprising 20% of total PC sales. These AI-enabled devices, including desktops and laptops, feature dedicated AI chipsets like NPUs (Neural Processing Units) designed to handle demanding AI tasks. The AI PC market experienced a significant 49% growth as supply ramped up, reflecting growing demand for these enhanced systems.
Notably, Windows devices held a majority for the first time in the AI PC segment, with a 53% market share. This growth is expected to continue, fueled by Windows 11 updates and advancements in processor technology. However, convincing customers to invest in next-generation AI-ready systems remains a challenge as companies like Microsoft aim to prepare users for a surge in edge-based AI applications.
Ishan Dutt, Chief Analyst at Canalys, pointed out the steady momentum in the AI PC sector, citing a full seasonal release of Snapdragon X-powered Copilot+ PCs and AMD’s introduction of its Ryzen AI 300 series. Intel also joined the fray, releasing its Lunar Lake series, though both x86 manufacturers await Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC support, expected later this month. Despite the excitement, there is room to build awareness and convince channel partners and consumers of the advantages AI PCs bring, especially for high-performance models requiring significant NPU capacity and hardware specs.
Canalys' November survey indicated mixed interest from partners; 31% of respondents don’t plan to sell Copilot+ PCs in 2025, while 34% expect AI PCs to represent less than 10% of their sales. Nonetheless, as support for Windows 10 phases out, the next few quarters will provide key opportunities to upgrade older systems to AI-enabled devices.
Windows AI PCs saw a 93% increase in Q3 2024, accounting for 12% of all Windows PCs shipped. Analyst Kieren Jessop emphasized that success for Windows AI PC manufacturers will hinge on differentiation beyond hardware. Among leading brands, HP, Lenovo, and Dell were front-runners in AI PC market share for Q3.
As we move into 2025, the AI PC landscape will likely evolve rapidly, driven by both technological advancements and shifting consumer expectations around AI capabilities in personal computing.