The global laptop market is poised for a resurgence, with projections indicating a growth of 4.9% to reach 183 million units by 2025. This anticipated uptick, however, may not stem solely from the buzz surrounding AI PCs. According to a recent report by TrendForce, the impending upgrade cycles in commercial sectors and the official end-of-life for Windows 10 in October 2025 are likely to play pivotal roles in this growth trajectory.
Currently, Windows 11 holds a 36% market share, marking a gradual recovery for Microsoft after a sluggish adoption of its advanced operating system. While AI-integrated laptops have garnered considerable attention, they have yet to emerge as a significant catalyst for market expansion. These AI PCs typically command a premium of 10-15% over their traditional counterparts, yet many businesses remain unconvinced of their value proposition. The technology is still in its nascent stages, and the tangible benefits for enterprises have yet to materialize.
An Intel study further highlights this sentiment, revealing that many users who have invested in AI-capable PCs struggle to realize the advantages due to an initial learning curve. This disconnect underscores the challenges facing the industry as it seeks to demonstrate the practical applications of AI technology in everyday business operations.
Market Dynamics and Future Outlook
During the third quarter of this year, industry analyst Canalys reported that AI PCs constituted one in five new laptop shipments, with Windows Copilot+ PCs making up over half of those sales at 53%. Despite this positive momentum, significant efforts are still required to persuade both channel partners and end customers of the merits of AI-capable devices. Principal Analyst Ishan Dutt emphasized that the transition away from Windows 10 could catalyze further growth in both consumer and business markets, setting the stage for a more robust adoption of next-generation computing solutions.
