Counterpoint: Global PC market shipments in the third quarter increased by 1% year-on-year to 65.3 million units
According to the preliminary forecast by Counterpoint Research, the global computer market is expected to grow by 1% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2024, reaching 65.3 million units, continuing the growth momentum since the first quarter of 2024. Despite flat demand in China and Europe, shipments increased by about 5% compared to the second quarter. Lenovo achieved year-on-year shipment growth for the fourth consecutive quarter, while HP and Dell maintained resilient sales. Analysts pointed out that the increasing demand for AI PCs is expected to drive future shipment growth
According to Counterpoint Research's preliminary forecast, the global computer market is expected to grow by 1% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2024, reaching 65.3 million units, continuing the year-on-year growth trend that began in the first quarter of 2024. Despite the early presence of advance delivery orders in the second quarter, demand in China and Europe was relatively flat in the third quarter. However, shipments were still about 5% higher than in the second quarter, mainly due to the ongoing replacement demand before the end of Windows 10 security updates and technical support in 2025, as well as the increase in AI PC sales.
With inventory levels basically normalizing in the first half of 2024, computer manufacturers are introducing more new models. Lenovo achieved year-on-year shipment growth for the fourth consecutive quarter in the third quarter. Benefiting from the replacement cycle trend, the brand has regained 25% market share since the fourth quarter of 2020. HP and Dell maintained resilient sales in this quarter, mainly supported by increased demand in the North American market and enterprise orders. Apple remained relatively calm in this quarter as the market awaits its M4-based laptops and desktops. These products are equipped with 10-core CPUs and may be another exciting product in the fourth quarter.
Senior analyst William Li commented on the AI PC and computer market, stating, "After AMD and Intel launched new CPU platforms in the third quarter of 2024, we observed an increase in demand for GenAI PCs, especially laptops. However, people are still looking for the killer feature of AI PCs to increase the value of their daily tasks, and we believe this is likely to happen in the short term and drive shipment growth."
Counterpoint Research predicts that demand for Windows 10 alternatives will decrease, while AI PCs will take over and continue to maintain growth momentum. Year-to-date shipments have increased by 2% year-on-year, and we believe the holiday season can continue this positive trend