Gartner predicts AI-enabled PCs to reach 43% of market by 2025

A new forecast from Gartner indicates that worldwide shipments of AI-enabled PCs are set to comprise 43% of all PC shipments by 2025, up from 17% in 2024. The research firm projects that the total shipment of AI PCs will rise dramatically to 114 million units in 2025, marking a 165.5% increase from 2024.

Gartner defines AI PCs as those with an embedded neural processing unit (NPU). This definition encompasses PCs with NPUs attached to Windows on Arm, macOS on Arm, and x86 on Windows systems. The firm anticipates AI PC shipments to reach 43 million units in 2024, which is a 99.8% increase from 2023's figures.

"The debate has moved from speculating which PCs might include AI functionality to the expectation that most PCs will eventually integrate AI NPU capabilities," said Ranjit Atwal, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner. "As a result, NPU will become a standard feature for PC vendors."

The demand for AI laptops is predicted to surpass that for AI desktops. Shipments of AI laptops are expected to account for 51% of the total laptop shipments in 2025. Gartner's data shows that AI laptops will likely be the only choice of laptops available to large businesses by 2026, increasing from less than 5% in 2023.

AI PC Shipments, Worldwide, 2023-2025 (Thousands of Units)

Source: Gartner (September 2024)

Gartner forecasts that the shift towards AI PCs will predominantly impact the consumer market. "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," noted Atwal. "However, in 2025, Windows x86-based AI laptops will lead the business segment."

The evolving landscape of technology indicates a growing recognition among businesses of AI and generative AI as pivotal components for the future. "The question for businesses is which AI PC to buy rather than should they buy one," Atwal explained. "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."