AI PCs Surge in Popularity as Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD Compete

The rise of AI-capable PCs is being driven by major players like Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD, as they introduce neural processing units to enhance everyday computing. In Q2, AI PCs saw a significant increase in market share, jumping from 7% to 14% of total shipments, with a remarkable 120% growth in unit shipments from 4 million to 8.8 million. Projections indicate that AI PCs will continue to gain traction, with expectations of reaching 17% market share in 2024 and potentially 40% by 2025. The commercial sector is anticipated to be the primary driver of this growth, particularly as enterprises prepare for a Windows refresh in 2025. Executives from AMD and Lenovo emphasize that the end of support for Windows 10 will necessitate a shift to Windows 11, further fueling demand for new AI PCs. Canalys forecasts that commercial AI PC market share could reach nearly 60% by 2027, highlighting the significant potential for growth in this segment. Intel's Core Ultra chip shipments have exceeded expectations, with over 15 million units shipped since December 2023. AMD's Ryzen AI 300 series has also launched to positive reviews, with numerous premium and commercial platforms expected to follow. Qualcomm's Copilot+ PCs are reportedly exceeding internal expectations, although specific shipment figures remain undisclosed. Overall, the AI PC market is positioned for a substantial boom, with industry leaders predicting that AI PCs could account for over 50% of the market by 2026 and as much as 80% by 2028. This shift represents a fundamental change in the PC landscape, promising enhanced productivity and user experience across various sectors.