PC shipments

Winsage
April 1, 2026
In the fourth quarter of 2025, U.S. PC shipments increased by 3% year-on-year, totaling 18.2 million units. This growth was driven by seasonal holiday demand, the need to upgrade aging Windows 10 computers, and retailers securing inventory ahead of supply chain challenges due to a chip shortage. The overall PC market in 2025 also grew by 3%, reversing declines from the previous two quarters. Commercial sector shipments rose by 6% to 8.2 million units, supported by holiday spending and a shift to more affordable products, as enterprises migrated to Windows 11 before the end-of-support deadline for Windows 10. However, Omdia predicts a 13% contraction in PC shipments for 2026 due to rising RAM and storage costs, alongside CPU shortages from Intel and AMD. The entry-level PC market may face significant challenges, potentially diminishing by 2028. Despite declining shipment numbers, the market value is expected to rise due to price increases from supply constraints. Omdia forecasts a rebound in 2027, with shipments projected to grow by 7% to exceed 66 million units, still below the 71.5 million units recorded in 2025.
Winsage
March 17, 2026
A third-party developer has created a tool called NoCopilotKey that allows users of Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs to remap the dedicated Copilot key back to its original function as the right-side CTRL key. Microsoft introduced the dedicated Copilot key in 2024, claiming it was a significant change in keyboard design, but later suspended the option to remap the key to avoid bugs. Users have expressed mixed feelings about the Copilot key, with some forgetting its function and preferring the traditional CTRL key placement. Microsoft is promoting its Copilot+ PCs, which feature advanced AI capabilities, and has announced plans to enhance user experience based on feedback, including the potential reinstatement of taskbar customization features. The company is also reassessing its AI strategy and has decided to eliminate plans for integrating Copilot into notifications and Settings to reduce bloatware.
AppWizard
March 2, 2026
Gartner predicts that the sub-0 entry-level PC segment will disappear by 2028 due to a 130% increase in memory and SSD costs, contributing to a 17% rise in PC prices by 2025. This situation is expected to result in a 10.4% decline in PC shipments this year, the first contraction in over a decade. Consumers are anticipated to keep their devices longer, with business users holding onto PCs for 15% longer and consumers for 20% longer by the end of 2026. The report indicates that elevated RAM and SSD prices will persist longer than expected, influenced by broader inflation trends. Additionally, the anticipated 50% market penetration of AI PCs is now expected to be delayed until 2028.
Winsage
December 23, 2025
The PC market is experiencing a significant shift in 2025 due to the end of support for Windows 10, which is set for October 5, 2025. Windows 11, launched in 2021, requires a TPM 2 for Secure Boot, limiting compatibility to newer devices. Microsoft is phasing out support for older devices due to security concerns, and while older peripherals may still work, they won't receive updates. Microsoft offers extended support options for Windows 10 users, including continued security updates for home users until October 2026 and an Extended Security Updates subscription for corporate users. The transition has led to increased interest in new PCs with neural processing units (NPU) for AI workloads, with support expanding to Intel and AMD systems. The integration of AI capabilities into PCs is being promoted, although current offerings may not incentivize IT departments to invest in NPU-enabled devices. The end of support for Windows 10 has influenced PC purchasing behaviors, resulting in increased shipments as manufacturers prepare for US tariffs. IT leaders must manage their device ecosystems carefully, as unsupported Windows 10 machines could become targets for cyber threats.
Winsage
October 28, 2025
Counterpoint Research reports a 14.9% year-over-year increase in Mac shipments as many users shift from upgrading to Windows 11 to purchasing Apple Macs. Global PC shipments rose by 8.1% in the third quarter of 2025, coinciding with the end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Microsoft has stopped providing updates and support for Windows 10, encouraging users to transition to Windows 11. Factors contributing to the shift include the appeal of new MacBook models and discounted prices. Current discounts on MacBooks include: - MacBook Pro 14" (M4/512GB): was ,599, now ,349 @ Amazon - MacBook Air 15" (M4/256GB): was ,199, now 9 @ Amazon - MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Pro/512GB): was ,898, now ,588 @ Amazon - MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max/1 TB): was ,499, now ,119 @ Amazon - MacBook Pro M5: was ,999, now ,999 @ Amazon Early Black Friday deals are providing consumers with attractive options for new devices.
Winsage
October 27, 2025
On October 14, 2025, Microsoft ended support for Windows 10, leading to approximately 50% of Windows users still using the obsolete OS. This situation has resulted in a shift towards macOS, with Apple’s MacBook shipments increasing by 14.9% in Q3 2025 compared to the previous year. Lenovo saw a 17% increase in sales year over year, while ASUS reported a 14% gain and HP a 10% increase. Dell experienced a slight decline of 1%. Nearly 40% of PC users were still on Windows 10, but this figure is declining as users upgrade. The broader PC market saw a global shipment rise of 8.1% in Q3 2025. The growth in AI computing is expected to drive future increases in PC shipments, particularly after 2026, with advancements in new silicon technologies.
Winsage
October 26, 2025
Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, concluding nearly ten years of use. Lenovo saw a 17.4% increase in unit shipments in Q3 2025, while Apple’s Mac shipments grew by 14.9%. Asus and HP reported increases of 14% and 10%, respectively, while Dell's shipments declined by 0.9%, and other PC makers experienced a 3% decrease. The overall PC market grew by 8.1% year-over-year, driven by hardware upgrades for Windows 11 compatibility and inventory stocking due to import tariffs. Despite the introduction of AI PCs, consumer preference remains for traditional models. Intel is raising prices for its Raptor Lake chips in response to demand. Counterpoint predicts an increase in AI PC shipments by 2025, with enterprises investing in AI-capable PCs for future readiness.
Winsage
October 23, 2025
Global PC shipments increased by 8.1 percent year-on-year in Q3 2025, driven by the impending end of support for Windows 10 and strategic inventory adjustments due to evolving U.S. import tariffs. Lenovo's shipments rose by 17.4 percent, HP's by 10.3 percent, Apple’s by 14.9 percent, and Asus reported a 14.1 percent annual increase. Dell experienced a slight decline of 0.9 percent compared to the previous year. The top five vendors now hold nearly three-quarters of the global PC market. Analysts predict a significant transformation in the industry with the introduction of AI-capable PCs starting in 2026, although current demand is primarily influenced by the need to upgrade from Windows 10. AI PCs are currently seen as more of a prestige item, with mass shipments of new AI-centric processors expected to begin in late 2026.
Winsage
October 18, 2025
Microsoft's end-of-support deadline for Windows 10 has led to an 8.2% increase in global PC shipments in Q3 2025, surpassing 69 million units. North America saw a modest growth of 1.6% year over year due to prior inventory stockpiling. Geopolitical challenges have tempered consumer demand, with many delaying purchases. The AI PC segment is expected to grow to 31% of total shipments in 2025, up from 15% in 2024. Only 39% of surveyed enterprises reported refreshing or upgrading their PCs, and 18% plan to continue using Windows 10 beyond the deadline. The top five PC vendors—Lenovo, HP, Dell, Apple, and ASUS—reported increased shipments, with Lenovo achieving a 16.6% growth rate. Microsoft plans to enhance Windows 11 PCs with AI capabilities, while Apple launched a new MacBook Pro with the M5 chip for AI workflows.
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