Global PC Shipment Trends
Despite ongoing signs of a global economic recovery, the worldwide shipments of traditional PCs have taken a slight dip, falling 2.4% year-over-year to a total of 68.8 million units in the third quarter of 2024 (3Q24). According to preliminary results from the International Data Corporation (IDC), this trend may appear counterintuitive amid a recovering economy.
Factors Influencing Shipment Changes
Several factors have contributed to this decline in shipments. In the previous quarter, there was a notable surge in shipments largely influenced by rising costs and an inventory replenishment cycle—resulting in slightly slower sales during this quarter. Jitesh Ubrani, research manager at IDC’s Worldwide Mobile Device Trackers, noted that while demand for PCs continues to grow among both consumers and commercial buyers, it remains focused heavily on entry-level models.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Premium PCs
As we move forward, there is reason to believe that newer advancements in technology, such as AI-powered PCs from Qualcomm, along with cutting-edge chips from Intel and AMD, and Apple’s anticipated M4-based Macs, will drive growth in the premium segment. The combination of back-to-school season demand in North America and the recovery of the economy indicates that the landscape for PC sales may become more favorable in the upcoming months.
