AI PCs accounted for 14% of all personal computers shipped in the second quarter with Apple leading the way, research firm Canalys said on Tuesday, as added artificial intelligence capabilities help reinvigorate demand. WHY IT'S IMPORTANT PC providers and chipmakers have pinned high hopes on devices that can perform AI tasks directly on the system, bypassing the cloud, as the industry slowly emerges from its worst slump in years. These devices typically feature neural processing units dedicated to performing AI tasks. BY THE NUMBERS Apple commands about 60% of the AI PC market, the research firm said in the report, pointing to its Mac portfolio incorporating M-series chips with a neural engine. Within Microsoft's Windows, AI PC shipments grew 127% sequentially in the quarter. The tech giant debuted its "Copilot+" AI PCs in May, with Qualcomm's Snapdragon PC chips based on Arm Holdings' architecture. Struggling chipmaker Intel also ramped up deliveries of its AI PC chips, according to the report, hoping to capitalize on the push towards producing AI-capable devices. The introduction of AI PCs is also driving growth in the premium segment, with shipments of Windows PC priced over $800 range growing 9% sequentially. Lenovo's AI PC shipments grew 228% sequentially, representing about 6% of its total Windows PC shipments in the June quarter. AI PCs accounted for 8% of HP's Windows shipments, while Dell had just below 7% of its Windows shipments represented by AI PCs. KEY QUOTE "With a strong foundation now set, AI-capable PC shipments are poised to gain further traction in the second half of 2024," said Ishan Dutt, principal analyst at Canalys.
