AI PCs Shipments Expected to Skyrocket, Representing Majority of PC Shipments Worldwide
Artificial intelligence (AI) PCs, equipped with specific system-on-a-chip (SoC) capabilities designed to run generative AI tasks locally, are projected to experience exponential growth in the coming years, according to a forecast from International Data Corporation (IDC). The report predicts that AI PC shipments will reach over 167 million units by 2027, representing nearly 60% of all PC shipments globally. This surge is driven by the increasing hype and interest in generative AI, as well as the potential benefits of enhanced user productivity, lower inferencing costs, and improved privacy and security offered by AI PCs.
New AI-Specific Silicon Revolutionizing PC Performance
Traditionally, AI tasks were performed on a PC’s central processing unit (CPU) or graphics processing unit (GPU), which can negatively impact performance and battery life due to inefficiencies. However, PC silicon vendors have developed artificial intelligence-specific silicon, known as neural processing units (NPUs), that can run AI tasks more efficiently. Currently, three types of NPU-enabled AI PCs have been identified by IDC: hardware-enabled AI PCs, next-generation AI PCs, and advanced AI PCs. While hardware-enabled AI PCs are already available from vendors such as Qualcomm, Apple, AMD, and Intel, next-generation AI PCs with high-TOPS NPUs are set to dominate the market by 2027.
Benefits of Local AI Workloads on PCs
Bringing AI workloads from the cloud to the client offers several advantages. Firstly, it enhances performance by eliminating the round trip that current AI workloads need to make to the cloud and back over the network. Additionally, it enhances privacy and security by keeping data on the device, reducing the risk of data breaches. Lastly, it lowers costs by limiting the need to access expensive cloud resources. These technical reasons have contributed to the growing interest in AI PCs, with IT decision-makers recognizing the potential for improved productivity and cost savings.
Growth in AI PC Market to Benefit Consumers and Commercial Buyers
While many AI PCs are expected to be sold to commercial buyers, consumers can also look forward to the benefits of the AI PC age. The forecast predicts potential improvements in PC gaming and digital content creation, which can enhance the overall user experience for consumers. By 2027, next-generation AI PCs are projected to outsell hardware-enabled AI PCs by twofold, showcasing the significant growth potential of AI PCs in the market.
IDC Report Provides In-Depth Forecast for AI PC Market
IDC’s report on the worldwide artificial intelligence PC market provides a comprehensive forecast for 2023-2027. It includes market projections for different categories of AI PCs based on their NPUs’ performance, as well as forecasts by processor architecture, product category (desktop and notebook), and segment group (commercial and consumer). The report considers Arm-based SoCs shipped by Qualcomm and Apple, as well as x86-based SoCs shipped by AMD and Intel. Furthermore, the report sheds light on the significant growth potential in the AI PC market and the implications for technology decisions and business objectives.
About International Data Corporation (IDC)
International Data Corporation (IDC) is a leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology industries. With over 1,300 analysts worldwide, IDC offers expertise on technology trends, industry opportunities, and IT benchmarking. Their insights assist IT professionals, business executives, and investors in making informed technology decisions and achieving their desired business outcomes. Established in 1964, IDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), a prominent tech media, data, and marketing services company. For more information about IDC, visit their website or follow them on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Analyst comment
Positive news. The AI PC market is expected to experience exponential growth, with AI PC shipments projected to reach over 167 million units by 2027. This surge is driven by increasing interest in generative AI and the benefits of enhanced productivity, lower costs, and improved privacy and security. AI-specific silicon and bringing AI workloads locally offer advantages in performance, privacy, security, and cost savings. Consumers and commercial buyers will benefit from the advancements in PC gaming and digital content creation. The market forecast provides comprehensive insights for technology decisions and business objectives.