Worldwide shipments of AI PCs are projected to total 114 million units in 2025, an increase of 165.5% from 2024, according to Gartner. This year’s growth is slightly lower – only 99.8% on 2023 with shipments forecast to be 43 million units for all of 2024.
► By 2026, Al laptops will be the only choice available for businesses
► 43% of all PCs shipped this year will be will AI-capable
Gartner defines AI PCs as a PC with an embedded neural processing unit (NPU). And it predicts that by 2026 all devices designed for serious business use will come with AI capability built-in. ‘The debate has moved from speculating which PCs might include AI functionality, to the expectation that most PCs will eventually integrate AI NPU capabilities. As a result, NPU will become a standard feature for PC vendor”, said Ranjit Atwal, senior director analyst at Gartner.
The firm forecasts AI PCs will represent 43% of all PC shipments by 2025, up from 17% in 2024. Demand for AI laptops is projected to be higher than AI desktops, with shipments of the former accounting for 51% of total laptops in 2025.
‘As the PC market moves from non-AI PCs to AI PCs, x-86 dominance will reduce over time, especially in the consumer AI laptop market, as Arm-based AI laptops will grab more share from Windows x86 AI and non-AI laptops. However, in 2025, Windows x86-based AI laptops will lead the business segment.’
Businesses recognise the evolving landscape of technology, foreseeing AI and GenAI as pivotal components in the future. ‘The question for businesses is which AI PC to buy rather than should they buy one. However, businesses are unlikely to pay a premium for AI features but will purchase AI PCs for future proofing and because this is their only choice that offers a more secure and private computing environment.’
