Global AI PC Market Size, Share, Trends Analysis By Product (Desktops and Notebooks, Workstations), By Operating System (Windows, macOS, Chrome), By Compute Type (GPU, 40-60 TOPS and Other), By Compute Architecture (X86, ARM), By Price (Below USD 1200, USD 1200 and Above), Region and Companies – Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends and Forecast 2024-2033

Demand for AI PCs is surging, especially in industries where precision and speed are paramount. Video editors, gamers, and software developers are among the key users who benefit from the enhanced capabilities of AI PCs. As AI technologies like voice recognition and facial detection become more commonplace in applications, the demand for personal computers that can support these features continues to grow.

The AI PC market presents significant opportunities for innovation in cooling systems, power management, and component miniaturization. As AI technologies advance, there is also an opportunity for the development of new forms of user interface that are more intuitive and AI-driven. Additionally, there’s a growing market for AI PCs in educational sectors and emerging markets where tech adoption is accelerating, offering new avenues for market expansion.

The global PC market experienced moderate growth in Q2 2024, with an estimated YoY increase of 3.4%, according to Canalys. Total PC shipments during this period ranged between 62.5 million to 64.9 million units, reflecting a sequential growth of 9.1% from Q1. This marks a steady expansion in the broader PC market, driven largely by emerging technologies.

AI PCs have been a significant driver of this growth, as their market share doubled from 7% in Q1 to 14% in Q2 2024. On a unit basis, AI PC shipments surged by 120% QoQ, growing from 4.0 million units in Q1 to 8.8 million in Q2. This brings the total AI PC shipments to 12.8 million units in the first half of 2024, signaling a major shift in PC demand.

Looking ahead, Canalys projects that 48 million AI-capable PCs will be shipped in 2024, accounting for 18% of total PC shipments. This trend is expected to accelerate, with AI PC shipments surpassing 100 million units in 2025, representing 40% of the market. By 2028, AI-capable PC shipments are anticipated to reach 205 million units, driven by a robust 44% CAGR between 2024 and 2028.

Apple dominates the AI PC space, holding 60% of the market share, mainly due to its M-series chips with neural engines in its Mac lineup. Intel predicts that AI PCs will comprise 50% of the market by 2026 and potentially capture 80% by 2028, further reinforcing the rapid adoption of AI in personal computing.

Key Takeaways

• The Global AI PC Market is projected to reach an impressive USD 433.1 billion by 2033, growing from USD 34.2 billion in 2023. This surge represents a robust CAGR of 28.9% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033.
• In 2023, the APAC region dominated the market, capturing more than 36% of the market share, with revenues reaching USD 12.3 billion. This dominance is attributed to the rapid adoption of AI technologies across various sectors in the region.
• The Desktops and Notebooks segment also held a leading position in 2023, commanding over 55% of the market. This growth reflects the increasing demand for powerful AI-driven devices in both personal and professional environments.
• In terms of operating systems, the Windows segment was the clear leader, capturing more than 56.1% of the AI PC market. This is largely due to Windows’ wide adoption and AI integration capabilities.
• The 40-60 TOPS NPU (Neural Processing Unit) segment held a dominant market share in 2023, reflecting the growing need for enhanced processing power in AI PCs.
• The X86 architecture was another significant player in the market, capturing a substantial share due to its performance and compatibility with AI workloads.
• Lastly, the USD 1200 and Above price segment was a key contributor to the market’s success in 2023, with premium AI PCs in high demand for both personal and professional use.

Product Analysis

In 2023, the Desktops and Notebooks segment held a dominant market position in the AI PC market, capturing more than a 55% share. This segment’s leadership can be attributed to several key factors that resonate with both individual consumers and business clients. Primarily, the demand for high-performance computing solutions capable of supporting advanced AI applications and machine learning algorithms has significantly influenced market dynamics.

Desktops and notebooks are integral in providing the necessary hardware capabilities required for intensive data processing and AI tasks. These include graphics processing units (GPU) and high-speed processing units that are essential for running complex AI models. Additionally, the adaptability of desktops and notebooks to integrate with various AI software and peripherals has made them highly favorable in sectors such as healthcare, finance, and IT, where AI applications are rapidly expanding.

Moreover, the evolution of remote work and digital education platforms has spurred the demand for reliable and efficient computing devices, further cementing the leading position of desktops and notebooks in the market. As AI technologies continue to advance, these devices are increasingly preferred for their ability to offer enhanced interactive experiences and manage larger data volumes, which are crucial for AI-driven applications.

The sustained market preference for desktops and notebooks is also supported by their cost-effectiveness compared to more specialized AI hardware. While offering competitive performance, these devices provide a more accessible entry point for small businesses and individual users looking to leverage AI technology without the substantial initial investment required for higher-end workstations or dedicated AI systems. This accessibility has played a significant role in maintaining the segment’s market dominance.

Operating System Analysis

In 2023, the Windows segment held a dominant market position in the AI PC market, capturing more than a 56.1% share. This commanding presence is primarily due to Windows’ extensive compatibility with a wide array of AI software and hardware components.

As the most widely used operating system in corporate and consumer environments, Windows offers robust support for the integration of advanced AI capabilities. This includes compatibility with various machine learning frameworks and tools that are essential for developers and researchers focused on AI.

Windows operating systems are preferred for their flexibility in customization and scalability, which are crucial for AI applications that require significant computational resources. The availability of powerful administrative tools and widespread developer support also contributes to its dominance, enabling users to tailor their systems to specific AI tasks more efficiently than other operating systems.

Furthermore, Windows-based PCs often come equipped with advanced GPU options and optimized drivers that enhance the performance of AI-oriented applications, such as data modeling and deep learning algorithms. This integration of hardware acceleration capabilities has made Windows a go-to choice for AI professionals looking for reliable and effective computing solutions.

Additionally, the continuous updates and security features provided by Microsoft ensure that Windows systems remain at the forefront of technology, offering the latest in AI advancements and security measures. This commitment to innovation and security not only attracts enterprise clients but also reassures individual users, thereby maintaining the operating system’s lead in the AI PC market.

Compute Type Analysis

In 2023, the 40-60 TOPS NPU segment held a dominant market position in the AI PC market, capturing a significant share. This segment’s leadership stems from its optimal balance of power and efficiency, making it ideal for a wide range of AI applications that require both high performance and energy efficiency.

NPUs (Neural Processing Units) in this range are particularly favored in sectors where real-time data processing and decision-making are critical, such as in autonomous vehicles, healthcare diagnostics, and smart manufacturing. The 40-60 TOPS range of NPUs delivers exceptional computational speed, enabling devices to perform complex AI algorithms swiftly without the need for extensive power consumption.

This efficiency is vital for battery-operated devices or systems where energy consumption impacts operational costs and sustainability goals. As businesses and consumers increasingly prioritize eco-friendly technologies, the demand for these mid-range NPUs has grown.

Additionally, NPUs in this performance bracket are highly adaptable, capable of handling next-generation AI tasks while still being cost-effective compared to higher TOPS units. This cost-efficiency makes them accessible to a broader market, including small to medium-sized enterprises that are beginning to integrate AI into their operations but are sensitive to high capital expenditures.

Moreover, the 40-60 TOPS segment benefits from the development of specialized AI software optimized for this range, enhancing device capabilities and user experience. Software compatibility ensures that users can leverage the full potential of their hardware, making this NPU range a preferred choice for developers and end-users aiming for high-performance AI applications without the premium cost associated with the highest spec models.

Compute Architecture Analysis

In 2023, the X86 segment held a dominant market position in the AI PC market, capturing a substantial share. This prevalence is primarily due to the architecture’s long-standing integration within both personal and enterprise computing environments.

X86 processors are renowned for their robust performance capabilities and compatibility with a wide range of software, including complex AI and machine learning applications. This makes them a dependable choice for industries requiring heavy computational tasks.

The X86 architecture benefits significantly from the extensive support ecosystem of developers and third-party vendors who continually enhance its capabilities through software updates and tool optimizations. This support ensures that X86 systems remain versatile and capable of handling evolving AI workloads with improved efficiency and reliability.

Furthermore, the widespread use of X86 in server environments, which are crucial for training AI models, solidifies its position in the market. Moreover, X86 processors are often preferred for their advanced security features, which are vital for AI applications dealing with sensitive data.

The architecture’s ability to support sophisticated security protocols helps prevent data breaches, making it highly suitable for sectors such as finance, healthcare, and defense, where data integrity is paramount. Lastly, the continuous technological advancements in X86 architecture, such as the incorporation of AI-specific accelerators and custom co-processors, enable it to maintain a competitive edge.

These enhancements facilitate faster processing times and greater power efficiency, further driving the adoption of X86 in AI-driven applications. The blend of legacy compatibility, cutting-edge improvements, and broad industry acceptance explains why the X86 segment continues to lead in the AI PC market.

Price Analysis

In 2023, the USD 1200 and Above segment held a dominant market position in the AI PC market, capturing a significant share. This segment’s leadership can be largely attributed to the growing demand for high-performance PCs capable of handling advanced AI and machine learning tasks.

PCs priced above USD 1200 typically offer superior processors, enhanced GPU capabilities, and greater memory and storage options, which are essential for running sophisticated AI algorithms and large-scale data processing tasks. These high-end PCs cater to professional users, such as data scientists, AI researchers, and software developers, who require robust computing power to develop and deploy AI models efficiently.

The increased investment in AI development across various sectors, including healthcare, automotive, and finance, has spurred the demand for these premium machines. Organizations in these industries often opt for higher-priced PCs to gain a competitive edge through faster innovation and improved operational efficiency.

Furthermore, the USD 1200 and Above price segment benefits from the trend towards remote work and virtual collaboration, which has led to a higher demand for PCs with advanced specifications that can support video conferencing, complex project management, and real-time data analytics. These capabilities are less prevalent in lower-priced models, which typically target casual or standard office applications.

Moreover, manufacturers in this price range often bundle additional services and support with their PCs, such as enhanced security features, extended warranties, and dedicated customer service, adding value for enterprise users and justifying the higher price point. This comprehensive support is crucial for businesses that rely on their computing infrastructure’s continuous and reliable operation, further solidifying the appeal of the USD 1200 and Above segment in the AI PC market.