Counterpoint: Global computer market shipments increased 1% year-on-year in the third quarter to 65.3 million units

Zhitong Finance App learned that according to Counterpoint Research's preliminary forecast, global computer market shipments increased 1% year-on-year to 65.3 million units in the third quarter of 2024, continuing the year-on-year growth trend that began in the first quarter of 2024. Despite early delivery orders in the early second quarter, and demand in China and Europe in the third quarter was relatively lackluster, shipments were still about 5% higher than in the second quarter, mainly due to continued demand for switching devices until the end of Windows 10 security updates and technical support in 2025, as well as an increase in AI PC sales.

With inventory levels basically normalized in the first half of 2024, computer manufacturers are promoting more new models. In the third quarter, Lenovo achieved the fourth consecutive quarter of year-on-year growth in shipments. Thanks to the trend of replacement cycles, the brand has regained 25% of the market share since the fourth quarter of 2020. HP and Dell's sales remained elastic this quarter, mainly supported by increased demand from the North American market and corporate orders. Apple was relatively quiet during the quarter as the market waited for its M4-based laptops and desktops. Equipped with a 10-core CPU, these products may be another exciting product for the fourth quarter.

Commenting on the AI PC and computer market, senior analyst William Li said, “After AMD and Intel launched new CPU platforms in the third quarter of 2024, we observed an increase in demand for GenAI PCs, particularly laptops. However, people are still looking for AI PCs to add value to their everyday tasks, and we believe this is likely to happen in the short term and drive shipment growth.”

Counterpoint Research predicts that demand for Windows 10 alternatives will decrease, while AI PCs will take over and continue to grow. Shipments have increased by 2% year to date, and we believe this positive trend can be continued during the holiday season.