- As organisations seek to refresh their technology in response to the impending end of support for Windows 10, the demand for new PCs is expected to remain robust.
- Anticipated stagnation in growth beyond 2025, with projections indicating sub one per cent annual increases through 2029, underscores the complexities of the current market landscape, influenced by a myriad of economic factors.
- IDC forecasts a 0.8% decline in tablet shipments in 2025.
In recent years, the global traditional PC market has faced a confluence of challenges that have led to a downward revision in growth forecasts. The International Data Corporation (IDC) has recently adjusted its predictions for the traditional PC market, anticipating a global volume of 273 million units in 2025.
This figure represents a modest growth of 3.7 per cent from the previous year but signifies a decline from earlier forecasts. The anticipated stagnation in growth beyond 2025, with projections indicating sub one per cent annual increases through 2029, underscores the complexities of the current market landscape, influenced by a myriad of economic factors.
The imposition of tariffs on Chinese goods by the United States has had a profound impact on the pricing dynamics of PCs.
As Jitesh Ubrani, a research manager at IDC, aptly noted, “Price hikes stemming from tariffs in the US combined with subdued demand are leading to a negative impact within the largest market for PCs.”
This sentiment is echoed across various consumer segments, which are grappling with a pervasive sense of economic uncertainty. The weakening market sentiment, particularly in consumer spending, has contributed to IDC’s forecast of a 0.8 per cent decline in tablet shipments in 2025, further illustrating the challenges faced by the broader consumer electronics market.
Commercial segment to drive growth
Despite these hurdles, there are identifiable areas of resilience within the traditional PC sector. The commercial segment, including education-related PCs, is poised to be a significant driver of growth in 2025.
IDC reported a 2 per cent increase in commercial PC volume in 2024, fueled by substantial procurement deals and a gradual migration to Windows 11. As organisations seek to refresh their technology in response to the impending end of support for Windows 10, the demand for new PCs is expected to remain robust.
This trend is particularly evident in markets such as Japan, where enterprises and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are proactively replacing aging systems.
Moreover, the anticipated emergence of a more robust ecosystem for artificial intelligence (AI) PCs by late 2025 presents an exciting opportunity for the market.
Although initial AI PC purchases have encountered obstacles, IDC expects that by 2026, most new PCs will be equipped with generative AI capabilities. This technological advancement could catalyse renewed interest and investment in the PC market, particularly among commercial users seeking to leverage AI for productivity gains.