The global PC market is experiencing a notable upward trend that has continued from the first quarter of this year into the third quarter of 2024. According to the latest report from Counterpoint Research, the shipping volume of PCs worldwide reached a remarkable 65.3 million units in the third quarter, marking a year-on-year increase of 1% and a quarter-on-quarter increase of 5%. This growth can be attributed largely to the gradual rise in sales of AI PCs.

Counterpoint Research highlighted that the PC market has maintained its growth trajectory since the first quarter of the yearDespite some pre-pull in the second quarter affecting delivery in the third, the overall shipments still grew by approximately 5% compared to the second quarterThe anticipation surrounding the end of support for Windows 10 has stimulated demand for upgrades, while increasing sales of AI PCs have also contributed significantly to this positive trend.

In terms of brand performance, Lenovo marked its fourth consecutive quarter of annual shipment growth, regaining a market share of 25%. Meanwhile, both HP and Dell showed stable performance in the third quarter, benefitting mainly from demand growth in the North American market along with substantial corporate orders

Apple, on the other hand, had a lackluster third quarter, yet the market is eagerly awaiting new products featuring the M4 chip, particularly the M4 MacBook Pro with its 10-core CPU, which is expected to be a focal point in the fourth quarter.

Traditionally, the third quarter has not been a peak season for the PC industry since 2021. Even with the back-to-school demands, William Li, a senior analyst at Counterpoint Research, pointed out that following the launch of new generation CPU platforms from AMD and Intel in the third quarter, the demand for AI PCs in the laptop market is on the riseHowever, the market is still looking for key application scenarios that can provide higher added value for everyday work.

As we look to the fourth quarter, with the demand for Windows 10 replacements starting to wane, AI PCs are poised to become the new growth driverCounterpoint Research anticipates that the holiday season will continue to follow this positive trend, with an expected 2% year-on-year increase in PC shipments for the full year of 2024.

Recently, leading manufacturers such as Lenovo and ASUS have launched new AI PC products in an effort to capture a share of this rapidly growing market

• The Challenges Behind Hikvision's Peak Amid Layoff Turmoil
• A-share Market Shifts into Rapid Rotation Phase
• Semiconductor Equipment Enters a Period of High Prosperity
• Institutional Demand Fuels Dividend ETF Growth
• Robust U.S. Economic Data

ASUS debuted its ultra-thin "ZenBook 14 Air" on September 17, highlighting its designation as an "AI ultra-thin laptop." Meanwhile, Lenovo has also unveiled a range of AI PC devices across various series, including ThinkPad and IdeaPad, marking its deeper entry into the realm of intelligent personal computers.

The deep integration of AI technologies has allowed AI PCs to not only enhance performance but also transcend the traditional constraints of PC usabilityNew generation devices utilize smart algorithms to optimize automatically, significantly improving the user experienceFor example, AI PCs can make personalized recommendations based on user habits, effectively managing system resources and thereby boosting productivity in both work and study settingsThis transformation reflects a distinct consumer desire for more intelligent devices.

Moreover, this trend unveils substantial market potential

In the second quarter of 2024, the market shipment volume of AI PCs reached 8.8 million units, accounting for 14% of the total global PC shipmentsThis indicates that the AI PC market is rapidly developing into a new growth engine for the PC industryIndustry analysts posit that as smart devices proliferate and replacement demand among consumers increases, the AI PC market is likely to see significant growth in the coming years.

On a macroeconomic front, recent policies introduced by various governmental departments promoting trade-in programs are set to further stimulate consumer enthusiasm for upgrading devicesSubsidy policies for replacing old home appliances, which include computers, will undoubtedly accelerate the adoption of AI PCsSuch policy support not only provides consumers with financial incentives but also propels technology companies to ramp up their R&D investments, making them vital drivers in the industry chain.

From the standpoint of technological innovation, chip manufacturers are also capitalizing on this momentum

Several companies based on ARM architecture, such as Qualcomm and Intel, are focused on developing processors that support AI PCsThese high-performance chips continuously enhance computing capacity and energy efficiency, enabling AI PCs to handle complex tasks more adeptlyFurthermore, AI PCs also feature excellent portability and long battery life, making them the preferred choice for young users and professionals alike.

Besides advancements in hardware, intelligent applications of AI in the software domain are breaking prior usage boundariesIn fields such as AI writing and painting, related AI tools are gradually making their way into daily lifeThese tools not only provide users with an efficient creative experience but also enhance the quality of creation through smart recommendationsFor instance, SimpleAI serves as a versatile creative assistant encompassing various functions like AI painting, text-to-image, and image generation, making the process of creation more straightforward and convenient.

However, the rapid growth of AI PCs has also raised certain societal challenges and considerations

One pressing issue is how to responsibly recycle old devices amidst the fast-paced updates in technologyFurthermore, the potential for abuse of technology could lead to concerns regarding information security and privacy protectionThus, while enjoying the conveniences brought by smart technology, both consumers and enterprises need to remain rational and attentive to data security and privacy.

In conclusion, 2024 is poised to become the "Year of AI PC Development." The rise of this emerging market is expected not only to invigorate consumer activity but also to drive comprehensive upgrades across related industrial chainsFor the average consumer, mastering and utilizing smart devices could usher in entirely new experiences in both life and workIn an era of rapid technological advancement, learning how to leverage AI has become essential for enhancing individual competitiveness.